“System Internal User” PlexMediaServer account doesn't exist

[bgershkoff]

Server Version#: PlexMediaServer-1.42.2.10156-f737b826c-x86_64_DSM6
Player Version#: Version 4.147.1
DS412+

DSM 6.2.4-25556 Update 8

My plex has had no issues leveraging video on my Synology NAS, but all of a sudden, Plex can’t view my video files. Strangely, it works on one TV only and for one of my extra plex accounts (not synology and not my primary account), but that account doesn’t work on any other tv or the web app.
When I went to give the PlexMediaServer account access to my shared video folder via System Internal User, the PlexMediaServer account was not in the list (screenshot below). I do have a regular plex user account, and gave that permissions to my shared video folder, but that didn’t fix anything.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

[ChuckPa]

On DSM 6, the Plex user is still Plex.
Only on DSM 7, were we forced to change user class and name

In the How-To, I show for DSM 7 (PlexMediaServer user)
For DSM 6, you do the same procedure for Local User Plex

The same permissions and Apply to this folder, sub-folders, and files checkbox is needed.

[bgershkoff]

Thank you @ChuckPa, but the plex account seems to have the correct permissions:

Yet, when I browse to Plex, it acts like the media server isn’t even installed (unless it’s the one user I mentioned and only on one TV). I’ve SSHd into the NAS, tried to see if it was an issue with permissions or the version, but nothing. This has been running amazingly and probably just stopped working when we lost power. Any help/ideas are appreciated.

[ChuckPa]

Control Panel - Shared Folder

Highlight the desired shared folder

EDIT it

Permission tabl

Change “Local Users” → “System Internal User”

[bgershkoff]

@ChuckPa , thank you. That’s in my original post, the PlexMediaServer name is not listed which I assume is the real culprit, but I don’t know how to fix it.

[ChuckPa]

How it all works on Synology:

DSM 5 & 6

– Username: Plex
– Shared Folder: /volume1/Plex

DSM 7

– Username: – NOT USED –
– System Internal User: PlexMediaServer
– Shared Folder: /volume1/PlexMediaServer

Because of Synology’s design:

1. System Internal User will not exist until the package is installed
2. You (the owner/admin) cannot create “System Internal User” accounts
   System Internal User accounts are for Packages (only) to use.

If this is DSM 7, -AND- Plex is installed, -AND- there is no PlexMediaServer user

THEN

Repair attempt 1 -

• Uninstall the package (KEEP radio button)
• Reinstall the same package file again

Repair attempt 2 -

• SSH into the machine
• Manually fix the appropriate files using DSM shell commands.

[Fluamsler]

@ChuckPa
These permissions changes were done on the internal Synology folder “video” I guess Plex doesn’t really like that!

@bgershkoff
Do not use the system folder" “video” for Plex (this is a system folder). I would not mess there witch the permissions.

Create a separate folder called “media” and give the internal System user “PlexMediaServer” at least read permissions.
Create subfolders “movies” and “tv shows” and put your media files there.
Mount these folders to the Plex libraries.

Hope this helps!

[ChuckPa]

@bgershkoff

My plex has had no issues leveraging video on my Synology NAS, but all of a sudden, Plex can’t view my video files. Strangely, it works on one TV only and for one of my extra plex accounts (not synology and not my primary account), but that account doesn’t work on any other tv or the web app.
When I went to give the PlexMediaServer account access to my shared video folder via System Internal User, the PlexMediaServer account was not in the list (screenshot below). I do have a regular plex user account, and gave that permissions to my shared video folder, but that didn’t fix anything.

@bgershkoff

1. I must apologize. I missed the DSM 6.2.4 in your OP. HUGE mistake on my part. I’m sorry for that. Seeing “System Internal User” in the topic caused me to completely miss that this is DSM 6.2.4 and SystemInternalUser is not applicable

2. On DSM 6, you will only have user Plex and a Plex shared folder.
   None of the PlexMediaServer names will apply to you

3. I see in the screenshot , you have some Synology media apps installed (PhotoStation and VideoStation). These conflict badly with Plex.
   Specifically, those apps forcibly take ownership and exclusive permissions of video, photo, and music predefined shared folders.
   – Whenever we attempt to grant permission for Plex, they erase that permission.

4. Putting media files in the video shared folder, WHEN you have the Synology media apps installed, causes permission problems. This is why you’re having problems
   – Most of us create a new shared folder, e.g. “Media” and put our movies, tv, music, and photos there -or- create separate shared folders for each

5. This is how you’d set the permissions for DSM 6
   

   

Again I’m sorry for totally missing it.
I’m certain I’ve missed more.

PLEASE ask whatever I’ve missed.

[bgershkoff]

Thank you both @Fluamsler and @ChuckPa.

After spending way too many hours troubleshooting and trying everything through SSH, I finally got Plex running again. I ended up doing a factory reinstall on the NAS (keeping my files intact), and even though a fresh install of Plex failed to launch the first two times, it’s now running perfectly and displaying all my video content again.

Huge thanks to both of you for your generous help and patience throughout this process - I really appreciate it!