Restoring a backed up Plex Media Server on Ubuntu

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Server Version#: 32.4
Player Version#: web browser

I recently had to rebuild my main linux server running Ubuntu and Plex Media Server. Everything I read stated the only means to back up Plex was to backup the /usr/lib/plexmediaserver folder. I did. Now I’m trying to restore and it doesn’t seem to be able to recognize my data.

Please help.

Also, I’m not sure I’m running the right version. Is there a way to see what version the data in /usr/lib/plexmediaserver is for and then I’ll install that version.

2

Old version doesnt matter, Just make sure your media is mounted to the same paths/location and see https://support.plex.tv/articles/201370363-move-an-install-to-another-system/

3

Thanks dbirch!

Appreciate the quick response. It definitely is reading some of the old server’s data as my clients can connect to the new server without authenticating, which means their session data has made it over.

I just don’t see any of my old Libraries.

I usually save all of the plex-media-server-VERSION.deb files. The last one I have is plexmediaserver_1.32.4.7195-7c8f9d3b6_amd64.deb but that version, nor the latest (1.40) displays my libraries.

I’ll keep digging.

4

I think I might have backed up the wrong directory. Dang it!

I backed up /usr/lib/plexmediaserver

But what I think I may have needed to backup was /var/lib/plexmediaserver/

Doh!

Anyone out there able to confirm?

5

Yep.

Where is the Plex Media Server data directory located?

Debian, Fedora, CentOS, Ubuntu

/var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/

Also, see Linux Tips: Backup, Restore, or Clone your PMS installation

6

Derp.

That’s what I get for asking AI in stead of delving into the documentation. Oh well, I’ll be ready for the next rebuild. :wink:

Thanks again to a great community always willing to help.

-rubaware

7

Docker makes it easy to know exactly where your config is for places like this… it’s right where you put /config :slight_smile:

Use the plexinc official image.

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