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FAQ 26 - Migrate from another OS → DSM 7

Migrating from another PMS installaton to Synology DSM 7 requires a little bit of up-front work.

The basic procedure is:

  1. Prepare the existing installation for copying
  2. Create a “Plex” shared folder on DSM which will be the base share for importing.
  3. Create the folders “Plex/Library/Application Support”
  4. Copy the “Plex Media Server” folder and contents into “Application Support”
  5. Manually set permissions of the Plex share, and all files in the shared folder, so it can be read by everyone (which also will include the new PlexMediaServer user when it gets created).
  6. Now we will “Manual Install” Plex (DSM7) on the NAS.
  7. As it installs, it will issue some initial errors because the permissions are not correct.
  8. Follow the instructions given in the pop-up message.
  9. When the installer is satisfied, it will begin “Installing” and sit there.
  10. Let the DSM 7 installer do the heavy-lifting . (It will give instructions as it does its work)
  11. You’ll know when it’s done. Plex/Migration.log will indicate “Cleaning” is complete.

Here we go :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

On the originating host PMS

  1. Turn off all automatic updating
  2. Disable “Empty Trash”
  3. Save those settings
  4. Stop Plex
    (we’re about to clone it)
  5. Create a ZIP file of the “Plex Media Server” folder (the one that contains all the metadata underneath it)

On DSM

  1. Create a shared folder named Plex (case sensitive)
  2. In that shared folder, create this structure (old DSM 6 'cuz it’s easiest)
Plex/
  Library/
    Application Support/

  1. Copy the ZIP file to the “Plex/Library/Application Support” folder

  2. Unzip the ZIP

  3. After unzipping move the contents if needed to produce the following structure

Plex/
  Library/
    Application Support/
      Plex Media Server     <-- this will have come from originating machine

  1. Download PlexMediaServer from https://plex.tv/downloads for your Syno

  2. Manual install that SPK file

  3. As it installs, it will find the “Plex” shared folder and immediately (while installing) start migrating it to the DSM 7 structure.

  • Do not be alarmed if DSM gives you an error (Operation Failed and forces you to sign out).
  • The installer will keep running until it’s completed.
  • The installer will tell you if there is a failure (Popup message window)
  1. Depending on how much data you have, you might be here a few minutes → hours → whenever.
  • DO NOT INTERRUPT OR RESTART DSM. You will invalidate the installation migration.
  1. Open a new window to the Synology, Open the Plex share. Look at the file “Migration.log” . You’ll be able to follow the progress

In case you need to see the steps about granting permissions.

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