unable to open media database

General Discussions
1

Hi Guys i ve recently reinstalled my system (win7 pro, 8 Gb ram, quad core system) and previously backed up the plex folders as directed by someone in the forums, before i did. Ive reinstalled plex and then copied the backed up plex folders into the new install. However when it loads I get the above error about the media database.
Ive checked other posts and the is no entry for a different path in registry, and the default location goes to the database folder. Ive also checked permissions which seem fine. Any idea’s?? if the database is corrupt how do i fix that?
if not I’m open to suggestions please. I can rebuild it i guess but id lose my place on so many series etc which is a pain …
any help would be appreciated please.
glenn

3

Hi Andy many thanks for the detailed info. followed your instructions to the letter and I still get the same results I’m afraid. With regard to the backup I copied the whole plex media server folder so I know I didnt miss anything. I did notice that there now a small message on the box that displays ‘unable to open media etc’ that says the database is corrupt. Not sure if thats relevant. However the clean install did work so it looks like I’ll just have to re load all the data again if there no way to repair it.
Plex is a great product and if I did have to point out a weakness this would be it. Some form of backup is essential for anyone that has a large library. Hopefully this will be addressed in the future.
once again many thanks for taking the time to help.
glenn

4

Did you create the backup while the old server was still running?
If so, your copy of the database is damaged. It cannot be copied as long as Plex server is still running and using it.

Try restoring one of the backup copies.
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/202485658-Restore-a-Database-Backed-Up-via-Scheduled-Tasks-

5

actually I probably did, I’ll try that and get back to you .
many thanks

6

Hi Otto that worked a treat! back up and running once again.
many thanks for both of you for taking the time to help me sort this.
much appreciated.
glenn