Since new OS install, Plex no longer able to read media drive, but Dolphine will

[lcutler61_gmail_com]

Server Version#: 4.54.4

My Plex server is located on a Linux machine, I’m using Kubuntu, latest version and up to date.

Original working configuration was the same operating system with all my media files sitting on an external USB 3 drive (NTFS Format).

A few days back I tried to upgrade OS but started getting disc full errors. As I was unable to recover from this, I decided to do a complete reinstall of Kubuntu. The reinstallation went fine, but after reinstalling the Plex server, when I went to set up the libraries again, I found that the Plex server could see the drive, but now refused to read any folders and files. Even though Dolphine had no troubles.

So, I transferred all files to a new internal hard-drive and tried again, new drive formatted to Ext4.

I still have the same problem, Dolphine sees the drive and allows me to navigate all folders, but Plex Server only sees the drive name and will not go any deeper.

Have used Nautilus to set all folders to read/write, no change.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Lloyd

[ChuckPa]

If you’ve installed Plex from the Ubuntu store then you’re getting the SNAP package.
SNAP packages are limited to your home directory only. This is usually the problem when properly mounted media can’t be seen by Plex but can be seen by the user.

If PMS was downloaded and installed manually (dpkg) then please consider the following to confirm how the media is mounted locally.

Using EXT, NTFS, or other format drives (internal or external) on Linux

This document is of primary interest to anyone who has connected USB drives or has media on other internal drives but user plex can’t access it due to Linux’s default security mechanisms. WARNING: This procedure will not work for SNAP, Docker or other container mechanisms unless expressly handled within the confines of the container. This procedure is intended for use with the dpkg package. We will walk through the steps needed to add these external USB hard drives and internal hard drives…

[lcutler61_gmail_com]

Thank you for responding. I installed Plex Server using the installation package from the Plex Website. So is that a SNAP package?

Also, just to clarify, my plex media is now located on an internal drive, formatted to Ext4

[lcutler61_gmail_com]

Ok, has been resolved. Following your detailed instructions, I got to the point of editing the fsbat file, all good now.

Thank you ChuckPa

[ChuckPa]

Glad you got it.

The package (DEB) file loaded from the Plex website is the native package.
This gives you direct access to HW transcoding and tone mapping (if your machine is capable).

[lcutler61_gmail_com]

Thank you, has been quite the learning experience.

[ChuckPa]

Linux is very powerful but also very demanding.
The learning curve is steep and not for the timid.

I tried to write procedures which are easy to follow in the Linux Tips section of the forum.

[lcutler61_gmail_com]

Certainly agree with you there, but I like the fact that one can tinker and make changes if they wish.

Given my computer history goes back to the early 80s, first being an Acorn BBC Model B, I don’t mind making mistakes.

Thank you for the link for your tips.

[ChuckPa]

@lcutler61_gmail_com

My experiences go back a bit further.

I was working at RCA in the late 70’s. I worked on the COSMAC systems.
You probably know of the “VIP” ? the little blue board?
I used to work on them as well as the industrial controller rack systems.
I used to have a MicroTutor as well but lost it along the way.

[lcutler61_gmail_com]

Would have been very interesting days.