Server Migration — what data backup to use?

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Server Version#: latest (Windows 11)
Player Version#: latest (Shield TV)

Hi. I have a Plex data backup from before a botched migration to a new Windows machine, and a current one from my original server that I went back to after the failed migration (that server now has remote access issues — maybe bc of the failed migration?). Which data backup should I use for a clean migration to the new machine?

2

I haven’t run Plex on Windows but have you seen this support article?

https://support.plex.tv/articles/201370363-move-an-install-to-another-system/

3

Yes. Have seen that. The botched migration was due to nas drive access on the destination machine that’s been fixed. My question is about what data backup to use.

4

You usually go with the last working backup. Remote access issues aren’t usually related to your server data. Instead there’s only a few configuration options in Plex … and more settings on the host and your router.

It’s unlikely the two issues are immediately linked.

5

If you use a manual port forwarding for remote access, see to it that the new server instance is using its own unique external port number. Do not re-use the old port forwarding in your router for the new server.

6

Got it. Thanks for the advice. I’m going to try another migration in the next day or so.

Question on signing out of the new server before I migrate the data. Do I sign our via the web interface (top right corner menu)? Or in settings and unclaim the server by selecting “Remove”?

7

There is no need to sign out, actually.
That being said, the server is signed out by

And the web app in the other place.

8

Interesting. In the official Plex documentation I believe it says to sign out before coping over data.

9

It says you should STOP the server.
If you’re moving the current setup to a new system – not doing a new setup – you should sign out the old server to avoid conflicts as both servers will otherwise be perceived as the same machine by Plex.
If you plan to retire the old server, that shouldn’t be an issue. It’ll only be relevant if you plan to keep the old machine and PMS running.