FAQ 18: Moving PMS from Mac/Windows to Synology
Note: This method mimmicks the “DSM 7 ‘migration’”. It is done this way to maximize automation and ensure a successful import.
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Make certain to turn off / disable the following in Plex Settings > Server > Library before stopping PMS.
a. Scan my library automatically
b. Run a partial scan when changes are detected
c. Scan my library periodically
d. Empty trash automatically after every scan -
Stop PMS on the source (Mac/Windows) machine
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ZIP up the “Plex Media Server” directory.
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Using FAQ #1, give yourself access to the Plex Share
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If PMS is already running on the Syno, stop it. If not installed, Install it and then stop it.
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Open File station
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Navigate to Plex / Library / Application Support
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Rename the existing “Plex Media Server” directory to “PMS.orig”
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Drop your ZIP file and unzip so it unzips and takes its place as “Plex Media Server”
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Right-click “Plex Media Server” and set the properties - owner as “plex:users” for “this folder, sub-folders, and files” (checkbox)
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Using File Station
a. Navigate to Plex/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/
b. Delete everything found here. These tokens are incompatible with Linux. New will be created as needed without issue.
c. Details / How-To in this FAQ Synology FAQ - Questions, Answers, and a few How-To's - #27 by ChuckPa -
Start PMS.
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Now transfer the media locations (Edit each Media Library section in turn:
a. Add the new locations,
b. scan files
c. observe duplicates showing (good),
d. when all duplicated
e. Edit the section’s folders again and remove the original locations.
f. Advance to the next Library section and repeat until done. -
When all sections have been edited,
a. Scan files one final time
b. Empty Trash
c. Clean Bundles
d. Optimize database -
When happy everything has transferred, delete the ZIP file.
