QNAP Installation - Trouble with FileStation/Plex installation directory visibility

[Sharpiemarker]

Hi All,
I’m running into, what I would think would be a very basic setup issue.

PMS is installed. I’m trying to transfer the %localappdata%\Plex folder (with the cache, playback history, etc) from my windows Plex server to the new NAS Plex server but I’m unable to see the installation directory in FileStation.

I created a folder called PlexData in FileStation on the QNAP and in Control Panel>Shared Folders I set the directory of my PlexData folder to be /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/.qpkg/PlexMediaServer (the installation directory of Plex).

I can log in to SFTP (via WinSCP) and browse to the installation directory and there are files and folders. But when I open the PlexData folder in FileStation, no folders of files are visible. I’m logged into the QNAS gui with the Admin account and it should have all permissions necessary to view the folder and files.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ChuckPa]

Using the PlexData share in this manner requires one extra step

The full sequence is:

Either:

1. Create the PlexData shared folder
2. Install PMS
3. Stop PMS

Or:

1. Stop PMS
2. Create the PlexData shared folder
3. Start PMS
4. Wait 1 minute (for it to start) then Stop PMS>

Now open FileStation.

You will now have the PlexData shared folder with a “Plex Media Server” directory.

Click it and you will see the LIVE contents of what is current existing.

This is where you would transfer in your installation from another system ( With all automatic scanning & Empty Trash turned off) so you can update the folder paths as you do when moving from machine to machine.

This may be of help.

PlexData share for QNAP systems

Introduction We’ve made a change which will make administering PMS easier on QNAP systems without interfering with QNAP’s philosophy and functionality in any way. This functionality is available as of PMS 1.19.5 and higher versions. Primary goals were: Ability to backup and restore your Plex installation (metadata) without use of the command line. Allow easy access to log files and plug-ins when PMS isn’t operating. Improve feedback to you (the admin) about PMS’s operational state a…

[Sharpiemarker]

Since I already have the folder created and mapped and PMS installed, is it best to uninstall PMS, delete the folder, and start over using your full sequence instructions?

EDIT

Excuse the edits, I’m new.

[ChuckPa]

If you’re trying to move from Windows → Linux,

Copying across the network will cause corruption of the metadata. (Symbolic links are different between the two.

Best & safest is to ZIP on one side, copy the ZIP across, then unzip from FileStation

Key thing to do is make sure you have turned off all the automatic library processing (Settings - Server - Library) before stopping Plex and making the transfer.

If you don’t, you’ll lose watch history.

Read through here. This is intended Linux → Linux but if you use ZIP, the process is the same. Only the mechanics change.

Back up/ Restore /clone your PMS metadata

Backing up your PMS data involves the same steps you’ll need if you were to clone your PMS and take to a new computer, reinstall the operating system, or just want a backup for safe keeping. Stop PMS Invoke the root shell Create the backup image [chuck@lizum ~.74]$ sudo sh sh-4.4# cd /var/lib/plexmediaserver sh-4.4# tar cfz /nas/tmp/PlexBackup.tar.gz ./Library sh-4.4# ls -la /nas/tmp/PlexBackup.tar.gz -rw-r--r--. 1 root root 864050144 Oct 29 15:29 /nas/tmp/PlexBackup.tar.gz sh-4.4# Copy …

[Sharpiemarker]

Hi Chuck, thanks for your replies. I understand the migration process a bit better. The main concern right now is getting the folder structure visible on the QNAP.

[ChuckPa]

Which folder structure ?

PMS internal or the shared folders which contain your actual media files?

[Sharpiemarker]

Hey Chuck, I’m still working through your steps to make the PlexData folder visible.

[ChuckPa]

oh… that’s simple.

1. Control Panel - Shared Folders

2. Create Shared Folder – Name it PlexData (no spaces and capitalized exactly as written)

3. It can be anywhere you want (CACHEDEV1_DATA is usually where it goes. It doesn’t consume more than 4KB unless you put something there )

4. Restart Plex.

5. When Plex restarts, it will find it and then create the entry Plex Media Server in it.

6. Refresh File Station.

7. You’ll now see PlexData on DataVol1

[Sharpiemarker]

Thanks Chuck. I thought it was simple as well but nothing is showing up in my shared folder. I’m attaching some images to explain where I’m at.

[ChuckPa]

Oh no!

Nothing that complex!!!

You’re thinking of PMSLibShare. PlexData doesn’t work that way.
Everything here is dynamic with exception of the anchor point in /share

Let QNAP create it for you. Don’t strong-arm it.

When you do, it shows up as /share/PlexData in the file system.
This is what I’m looking for.

I follow it from there to where it really is.

I do it this way to support “Migrate To” (QTS App Center feature).
PMSLibShare can’t follow Plex. It’s a fixed folder definition pointing to the path at that instant in time.

I’m dynamic and discovered at PMS start.

[Sharpiemarker]

Thanks Chuck. Figured I must have been overthinking it. Really appreciate the assistance.