Server Version#: Version 4.142.2
Player Version#:
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My folder structure and file names do not conform to Plex’s prescribed naming convention. I was told that symlinks could be an alternative to renaming all my files so I decided to conduct a test.
I am working on a Windows 11 64-bit PC.
I have used the app Symlink Creator to create a symlink on my external SSD which points to an .mkv file (a TV episode) on my external HDD. I did this whilst running the app as an administator.
The folder path for my symlink is this:
O:- Media File Links\Soft Links\Shows\Sailor Moon (1992)\Sailor Moon Season 1
As you can see the folder structure conforms to Plex’s preferred structure.
Running both Plex Media Server and Plex Desktop as administrator I created a TV Show library in Plex and had it scan the folder with my symlink in it.
Nothing appeared.
I ran some further tests, which included having Plex scan the file with the original file name changed to conform to Plex’s naming convention. this did appear.
I deleted the old symlink and created a new one pointing to the media file which now had the naming scheme Plex prescribed.
Again, nothing appeared.
I double checked the file type of the symlink as I was told (perhaps this is incorrect) that Plex will not recognise hardlinks, only soft links.
Under properties, The File type read:
.symlink (.mkv)
Which I presume to mean it is indeed a softlink not a hard link.
I granted Full access to the folder under the security tab within properties and tried scanning again.
Still nothing.
Using an AI to instruct me (as I am not very technically minded) I even tried creating a soft link using command prompt in case the problem was the app I used.
Nothing. Nothing at all.
My questions are:
a) Can Plex recognise hard or soft links in the first place?
b) If it can, given what I outlined above how can I get it to recognise them?
