With Synology NAS, moving from version 6 to 7.2 on new NAS, will Plex work properly afterwards?

[bubbascant]

I have not upgraded to Synology version 7.2. I’m still on the last version of 6.

I’ve read various comments saying that when moving from your current NAS running Plex to a newer NAS, that Plex does not work well, and in fact, has downright created major problems in crashing or making things difficult.

It appears that the new Synology NAS I bought will automatically upgrade to the new version of Synology. I’m sure there are ways around that but I’d rather keep things clean.

I have updated to the very latest version of Plex. I “could” update my current Synology NAS to version 7.2 and then see how Plex behaves before I migrate. It might make the migration go more smoothly.

Synology tells me updating Plex on my current Synology won’t matter as the new NAS will update it when I migrate anyway.

So, is there any truth to any of this? Any steps I can take to protect my extensive playlists and other work I’ve done to get to this point.

Huge fan of PLEX. I’m a Lifetime Pass user.

Please let me know. THANKS!

[ChuckPa]

@bubbascant

It appears that the new Synology NAS I bought will automatically upgrade to the new version of Synology. I’m sure there are ways around that but I’d rather keep things clean.

By default, DSM 7 will try to REPAIR your plex package when it installs.

This is what makes the huge mess.

The way to manage this is:

1. Uninstall the DSM 6 package first – while still using DSM 6.
2. Now let DSM 7 install and update itself freely
3. After everything is upgraded and stable, we can address migrating your DSM 6 server (in it’s entirety) to DSM 7.

Please read here.

Synology FAQ - Questions, Answers, and How-To's

FAQ 27 - Migrating an existing PMS from DSM 6 to DSM 7 Upgrading PMS from DSM 6 → DSM 7 DSM 7 no longer allows us to go find the metadata directory and use it across volumes before starting PMS (This is the lack of “root” privilege blocking). As such we require the following two conditions are met we will attempt to automatically migrate you; You have an existing DSM 6-created PMS installation and PMS is installed on the SAME STORAGE VOLUME as the “Plex” shared folder (this is critical) …

Feel free to ask questions before starting.

DO NOT PANIC if things don’t go as expected.
As long as you don’t delete data, we’ll be able to resolve it

[bubbascant]

Thank you so much for your reply.

I’m a little confused, sorry.

How do I uninstall DSM 6 package first? And why do you say “while still using DSM 6?” Could you clarify? If I uninstall it first, how can I still be using it?

Past that, once that is accomplished, then I install DSM 7.2 I assume? Also the latest Plex has been updated as well. This would then match what’s on my new NAS?

What is kind of confusing me further is your third point saying "we can address migrating your DSM 6 server (in its entirety) to DSM 7. I think what I’m missing is, if I update my current NAS to the latest version, isn’t that what I would be migrating? I am lost. Again, so sorry.

Someone told me on Synology call I believe, not to upgrade the current NAS and to stop the new NAS from updating to the new DSM but I’d need more clarity there as to how to do that. Perhaps that needs to be Synology and not Plex - but it’s important for me to go from A-to-Z to have a happy outcome.

What Synology has said when Migrating makes it sound fairly simple.

1. Power down the NAS.
2. Take out the two drives.
3. Put them in the new NAS in the same drive number they were in on the old one.
4. Turn it on and follow the Migration (go to www.find.synology.com).

They say it will have the newer version of DSM (7) and will upgrade Plex (if it’s not already the latest version?) Is there anything between what you’re advising and what they suggest that can help make this easier for me to understand? If I have the new version on my current NAS, would that make things better?

I do have the PMS on the same storage Volume as the Plex shared folder. I only have one volume. You could help me make sure by telling me where to go in my Synology DSM.

I appreciate your caution here - which is why I posted as I also want to make absolutely sure I have things set up well. I have a lot of work to get where I’m at so it’s important to make sure.

I have Hyper Backup of my Plex Media folder to an external SSD. I’ve archived the .dss file as well as Hyper Backup for my Music as well to external.

I’m anxious to hear back. So sorry for all the questions. Again, thank you SO much!

[ChuckPa]

I had assumed, when you get the new Syno, you were going to take the DSM 6-based HDDs and transfer them to the new unit?

Is this mistaken?

[ChuckPa]

How this works:

• The Plex shared folder (were all the metadata is)
  – Gets the permissions & ownership changed to the new DSM 7 user “PlexMediaServer”
  – This must occur before or while the Plex (for DSM 7) app is being installed.
  ( we don’t have the same privileges on DSM 7 as we did on DSM 6 so we require the user’s assistance )
• As the app is installing, it converts the structure and reformats some of the data to work in the DSM 7 environment.
  – Conversion requires about 3 minutes per 1000 media items you have Indexed in Plex.

2. After the Plex server and metadata are all reconfigured for DSM 7, we update the permissions for the media
   – ( User “Plex” isn’t used in DSM 7. We had to abandon it. We changed to “PlexMediaServer” )

All the info about changing media file permissions is here

Synology FAQ - Questions, Answers, and How-To's

FAQ 29 - DSM 7 - Give PlexMediaServer access to your media When you migrate to DSM 7, are installing a server for the first time, or just adding a new shared folder / sub-folder for media , folks forget to read the popup at the end of every installation which tells them about how to set permissions. This FAQ shows in detail how to do what those instructions state. When might you need to perform these steps? When upgrading, changing permissions from Plex to PlexMediaServer is overlook…

Lastly,

You might want to review the FAQ as it’s been updated for DSM 7 (showing both 6 and 7 where appropriate)

Synology FAQ - Questions, Answers, and How-To's

Synology Frequently Asked Questions Table of Contents Intro: Posting in the Plex Synology Forum DSM 6 & 7 FAQ Some of these FAQ apply equally to DSM 7 and 6. Others do not. Please read carefully before proceeding. Getting access to the Logs Have I installed the latest version…? Which version do I need, Intel or ARM? 3a. Using Plex’s package signing public key - DSM 6 LAN addressing requirements - RFC1918 specification for local LAN? First run & Setup Recommended Media Organization and A…

[bubbascant]

I will:

Shut down the current NAS.
Take the two HDs out.
Place them in the new NAS
Then turn it on and start the migration.

Drive 1 from current NAS will go in drive 1 bay in new NAS.
Then drive 2 on the current NAS will go into drive bay 2.

[bubbascant]

I will review this in the morning as there’s a lot to absorb. I think I’m getting a better understanding. Moving to this new 7.2 is different than upgrading the existing version (e.g. 10.1 to 10.2 or whatever). .

I’ll have more questions for sure.

Will you be available tomorrow during the day?

I have just shy of 1,000 playlists. Tons of movies, TV series, and so forth. The music and playlists are top priority, playlists especially. And making sure my album artwork isn’t lost. My library is extensive as I’m in the radio media business.

Thanks so much!!

[ChuckPa]

I have a Dr’s appointment tomorrow but will be available during the day (before and after).

As always, I’m here in the evening after dinner.

To help me help you & gauge the level of work here, How many GB is currently used by your Plex shared folder ?

( FileStation → Highlight the Plex share on the left side → Right-click → Properties.)
It will likely take some time to total it.

[bubbascant]

The Plex shared folder is 21.11 GB. Or about 21GB.

I checked the mapped drive for the DS720 and it’s about 20.3 GB.

There are two drives in my Synology set up with SHR and each one is 18 TB. I am about 97% full so there’s a lot of space taken up with movies, music (lossless) and so forth. One folder for movies is over 9 TB. This is why I am moving to a new NAS to add another large HD as my DS720 is only two-bays.

Is this sort of what you were looking for?

And BTW, I assume it best to move to the new Plex BEFORE migrating to the new NAS? Not doing so will create more problems?

[ChuckPa]

Thanks for the info. That gives me a good idea.

1. We do not move Plex until AFTER on the new DSM 7 NAS
   – We only uninstall the app, which leaves all the data behind, while still running in the old NAS

2. Once Plex is uninstalled on the existing Syno, you’ll see you have a full “Plex” shared folder, which hasn’t been touched. This is exactly what we want.
   DSM 7 will see it as “data” and not do anything to it.

3. Next is when you perform Synology’s HDD migration to the new unit using the Synology Assistant to install DSM 7
   ( They only replace DSM 6 with DSM 7 during ‘migration’. They do not touch our data)

4. After the new Syno is up and running on DSM 7 is when we will install Plex (DSM 7).

• One of two things will happen (we can never predict)
  – It will see your existing Plex share and complain the permissions aren’t right (this is best case and what we want to happen so we can change those permissions)
  – Worst case is it doesn’t see the Plex share and installs AS-IF a fresh installation. In this case, we have the procedure laid out step-by-step to clean out the errant “new” installation and then proceed with the last part of Plex DSM 7 migration.

One piece of info which you can do in advance, if needed, is the Plex share preparation.

When you look at Control Panel → Shared Folder → Plex → Permission tab

Do you see a “Custom” checkbox? (Custom was added in DSM 6)
It should look like this.

If not, then you must have first installed Plex back in the DSM 4 or DSM 5 days.

The “fix” is simple.

1. Stop PMS if running
2. Rename “Plex” → “Plex-old”
3. Create a new “Plex” shared folder.
   – Give it the exact same permissions as Plex-old has
4. Now, using FileStation, Highlight then Drag & Drop (MOVE) everything from
   Plex-old → Plex
   – This corrects the underlying DSM 5 → DSM 6 oversight and prepares you for what comes next with permissions and DSM 7 (which will need it)

If you have any questions, take a screenshot and show me

[bubbascant]

When you say we do not move Plex until AFTER on the new DSM 7 NAS - we only uninstall the app, I’m having a little trouble grasping that. So do I go to the Package Center in Synology as shown below and Uninstall it?

You’re saying it won’t delete any of the data on my Folders in File Library on Synology, or any playlists, metadata (album artwork, genres..) and whatever I have access to when I use Plex on my iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, or whatever, right?

On this point: Next is when you perform Synology’s HDD migration to the new unit using the Synology Assistant to install DSM 7…

My guidance with Synology has been to turn off Synology when I’m ready to migrate, then remove the two drives. Then put those drives into the new NAS and turn it on. Then Synology will guide me to Migrate (going to “find.synology.com”) and it will then begin the migration. Perhaps I’m overthinking it but I remember that the “Synology Assistant” was an option - aside from what I just laid out. Am I wrong in that thinking?

NEXT:

I started Synology back in November of 2021 I believe and it was some version of “6”. I didn’t use DSM 4 or DSM 5, at least I don’t think so. Is there a way to check my history of that somehow in Synology?

I did set up Plex shared folder with Permission back when setting things up back then. I must confess that I don’t recall why, but it was with the help of Synology and/or Plex support to guide me as I learned on my journey.

Here is the current setup. This is as it has been prior to you asking. All the fields are checked.

Thank you so, so very much for your help and guidance. I’m learning and love it so thank you again.

I look forward to your reply.

[ChuckPa]

@bubbascant

we only uninstall the app, I’m having a little trouble grasping that. So do I go to the Package Center in Synology as shown below and Uninstall it?

YES. While still running on the older (DSM 6) Syno –

Package Center → Installed → Plex Media Server - Uninstall

It will remove ONLY THE SOFTWARE

Your server’s “DATA” will be left behind intact.

After we get into DSM 7 is when it’s possible to DELETE the server info while uninstalling but for now, only the application is actually removed.

---

It’s good to see you have a “Custom” checkbox. That saves us time and fussing around.

---

What’s happening here –

1. The Plex software is stored in the AppStore on the HDDs.
2. All your server data is stored in the Plex shared folder.

Two different folder structures in different locations.

We did it this way to make backing up / fixing / restoring Plex easier.

If you’re really concerned, COPY the entire Plex share to a thumb drive

(Create a ZIP file and put that ZIP on the thumb drive)

I can give you what’s needed to restore it in a worst-case scenario.

[bubbascant]

After uninstalling PMS, I’m assuming I can’t use Plex at all until completing the migration obviously,.

@ChuckPa

After we get into DSM 7 is when it’s possible to DELETE the server info while uninstalling but for now, only the application is actually removed.

What is the server info that could get deleted? Or are you saying - when we get to DSM 7 we would delete the server info? Not sure what that means. And then we would add it back?

Glad I have the “Custom” checkbox as well.

I am totally missing what you mean here:

What’s happening here –

The Plex software is stored in the AppStore on the HDDs.
All your server data is stored in the Plex shared folder.

Two different folder structures in different locations.

When you said the Plex software is stored in the AppStore on the HDDs, do you mean on my Synology DS720+? Is that the Package Center where a variety of apps can be installed, including Plex Media Server?

When you said the server data is stored in the Plex shared folder, is this the “preferences.xml” or is it the .dss system configuration file (which is in Synology)?

(I have backed up that, and the new Hyper backup I did yesterday of the PMS shared folder should have the preferences.xml as well).

The Hyper backup of Plex shared folder to an external SSD drive that I have done should suffice as the “thumb drive”? I have backed up to a thumb flash drive also. So two different Hyper backups of the Plex Media Server shared folder.

When you mention creating a Zip file, do you mean off my external backup? Or from PMS folder on my NAS? If I backup that folder to my Windows machine for example, there are some files that it says I don’t have Administration rights to, so I’m worried that the backup there (or zipped file?) wouldn’t have all the information. In Hyper backup, I never had any alerts such as this.

I am going to create a small to-do list in the order that I’m understanding based on your information. I also need to review the various documents you sent.

As always, thank you so much.

[bubbascant]

@ChuckPa

All the info about changing media file permissions is here

FAQ 29 - DSM 7 - Give PlexMediaServer access to your media When you migrate to DSM 7, are installing a server for the first time, or just adding a new shared folder / sub-folder for media , folks forget to read the popup at the end of every installation which tells them about how to set permissions. This FAQ shows in detail how to do what those instructions state. When might you need to perform these steps? When upgrading, changing permissions from Plex to PlexMediaServer is overlook…

I reviewed this document and I have this set up already in my Synology:

I see that Admin and Administrators only have Read & Write. Should that be altered? Perhaps this is why when I do a copy of my PMS folder from the mapped drive to my Windows computer, it is not allowing all the files to be copied (per my comment a short time ago)? I see the checkboxes for Admin for example, are unchecked under the Administrator. Plex is checked, hence the Full Control.

[ChuckPa]

@bubbascant

After uninstalling PMS, I’m assuming I can’t use Plex at all until completing the migration obviously,.

• Correct. There will be no PMS on the Syno to start.
• You can delay uninstalling PMS until you’re ready to move the drives to the new Syno. (Last thing you do before shutting down the older Syno)

@bubbascant

When you said the Plex software is stored in the AppStore on the HDDs, do you mean on my Synology DS720+? Is that the Package Center where a variety of apps can be installed, including Plex Media Server?

Yes. Synology’s internal structure for doing things.

1. Shared folders are stored on the “Volume” (e.g. /volume1)
2. Applications, which includes Plex, are stored in the “AppStore” on that volume (e.g. /volume1/@appstore/PlexMediaServer)
   – You’ll find Synology hides directories by putting a @ in front of the name.

chuck@ds418:/volume1/@appstore$ ls
AntiVirus  CloudSync  CodecPack  HyperBackup  mediainfo  Node.js_v12  PHP7.4  
PlexMediaServer  TextEditor  ui
chuck@ds418:/volume1/@appstore$ 

@bubbascant

When you mention creating a Zip file, do you mean off my external backup? Or from PMS folder on my NAS? If I backup that folder to my Windows machine for example, there are some files that it says I don’t have Administration rights to, so I’m worried that the backup there (or zipped file?) wouldn’t have all the information. In Hyper backup, I never had any alerts such as this.

While this will take some time, it’s easy to to:

1. Open FileStation
2. Open the “Plex” shared folder
3. Right-Click “Library” → “Compress to Library.zip”
4. – Now we wait –
5. When completed, copy & save somewhere just in case

[ChuckPa]

Regarding plex being in Full Control.

That won’t help us.

DSM 7 forced us to change the name to “PlexMediaServer”.
You won’t be able to prepare for the PlexMediaServer “System Internal User” until AFTER DSM 7 is installed.

[bubbascant]

I put together a document highlighting next steps and brief list of what I’ve done so far. Sorry for the length. You can delete and copy back just what you think is relative to next steps.

Steps to get migration completed and Plex operating successfully.

What I have done so far:

• I installed the latest version of Plex on my Synology. That update is reflected (saying “up to date”) when launching Plex from Synology or a browser (hosted).
• I have done a Hyper backup of the shared Plex Media folder. I have done one to a USB flash thumb drive and one to a SSD external drive.
• I have done a Hyper backup of the Music folder to this same SSD external drive.
• I have backed up the .dss (system configuration file) as well as the preferences.xml.
• I have backed up the iTunes music library.xml located in the Music folder.
• I have captured video (and images) of various screens on my Synology.
• Captured screens of Plex as well.
• I also have done captures of my router and modem with various static IP addresses, port forwarding, Remote Access settings in Plex and iPv4 (though that had to do with Windows and not NAS? I’m not using any Windows in my Plex now. There may be other things to check.
• This includes making sure that Sonos settings are correct after migrating. I had archived this from a while back from Plex support cautioning me on moving to version 7 (to wait – though I believe this is no longer an issue).

In 7 it will be in the Advanced / and then “others tab”. He said to enable NTLNv1. This will be what you need to do if you update to version 7. NOTE: I called Synology March 28, 2024 to ask them what this NTLNv1 does and is about and he said: It’s about the security of logging in – so it probably makes your Sonos more secure.

I should also make note that with Sonos I had to reauthorize Plex at some point. I’m hopeful I won’t have to now.

Questions from areas of the document you shared. (In no particular order)

DSM 7 no longer allows us to go find the metadata directory and use it across volumes before starting PMS (This is the lack of “root” privilege blocking). As such we require the following two conditions are met we will attempt to automatically migrate you;

1. You have an existing DSM 6-created PMS installation and PMS is installed on the SAME STORAGE VOLUME as the “Plex” shared folder (this is critical)
2. You have an existing DSM 6-created installation and PMS is uninstalled and reinstalled on the same volume as the existing Plex share.

Please clarify. I should uninstall PMS and then reinstall it on my DSM 6 Synology? #1 shouldn’t be an issue.

Stage 2

1. Uninstall the failed PMS package…and Install again.
   a. If you attempted Repair, and PMS shows installed, use Remove all data option.

Do we know if it failed?

Alternative installation using Claim Token ( Docker container style )

This method supports claiming a server which is:

1. Remote
2. On a non-RFC 1918 network
3. Credentials compromised due to hard server reset or password changed incorrectly.

Is this anything I would be doing? I haven’t done any Docker or claim tokens that I’m aware of – except for the “specify public port” in Remote Access (or this doesn’t have anything to do with this alternation installation?)

NEXT STEPS FOR ME:

• Uninstall Plex on Synology. Do I reinstall it or wait until migration is complete?
• I shut off my DS720+ and remove both drives.
• I put both drives in the new DS423+ and turn it on
• I see the migration screen come up and then www.find.synology.com and select my NAS

What to do from #4 on is where I need specific steps. I wait to install Plex until it finishes migration?

NOTE: I am adding another drive to the 423 so I wait until migration finishes and then add it to the existing volume. At that point is when I would install Plex? The new 423 will have the latest (or nearly latest) version of Synology 7 (7.2 is the latest).

Install Plex from the Package center as it won’t be on the drive(s) since I uninstalled it before migration.

Make any modifications to areas you covered. It sure would be helpful if there were a short step-by-step of what I should do (remembering that some things on your documents you shared were already done or not an issue such as the Plex Custom column and so forth).

THANK YOU!!!

[ChuckPa]

@bubbascant

NEXT STEPS FOR ME:

• Uninstall Plex on Synology. Do I reinstall it or wait until migration is complete?
• I shut off my DS720+ and remove both drives.
• I put both drives in the new DS423+ and turn it on
• I see the migration screen come up and then www.find.synology.com and select my NAS

You have a backup you can recover from should things go stupid

The LAST THINGS YOU DO –

1. Uninstall the Plex app from Package Center
2. Shutdown the Syno
3. Move the HDDs to the new Syno
4. Power it up and start the DSM 7 migration. (This is VERY easy)

On the new Syno -

1. Go into Package Center and let it “Repair” all the apps it wants.
   (It’s going to download, install, and upgrade all the apps which are currently installed)
   (Plex requires manual intervention to upgrade to DSM 7. That’s why it’s a separate step)

2. Now you go to the Plex website and download the DSM 7 version (64 bit Intel) of Plex

3. Manual Install that new SPK in Package Center

4. It now has a mini menu. You’ll want a Normal Installation.

5. It will do one of two things

• A. It will tell you the Plex shared folder permissions are incorrect and let you fix them
  –or–
• B. It won’t do anything and give you a “Installation Successful” message at the end.

6. This is where we have to get into fixing permissions.
   When you’re at that point, I’ll help you (1-1 if need be) but don’t be worried. It’s not difficult.

[bubbascant]

Awesome! You have helped me understand much more clearly. I was sort of lost at the start and you quickly showed me what to do. The way you just laid it out after my overview looks pretty easy as you said.

Just curious if my next steps and brief list of what I’ve done so far helped you help me so to speak?

I’m assuming I don’t have to deal with the Claim Token?

As for my backup, is there any other area that I need to have Hyper backup do to external SSD or Flash thumb drive?

I have a Hyper backup of Plex Media folder.
Hyper backup of Music folder, which has the iTunes Library.xml file.
I copied the .dss system configuration file from Synology and saved to my desktop. I also saved the Preferences.xml to my desktop.

I noticed a new file in Plex Media folder called Setup Plex.html and .LocalAdminToken. These should be in the Hyper backup I did yesterday.

Question: Should I delete all the old Plex backups which were done before I upgraded to the latest version of Plex? I can save maybe one that’s from prior to the new Plex version. Please let me know.

You said: On the new Syno -

Go into Package Center and let it “Repair” all the apps it wants.

Will this happen automatically when I go into the Package Center? Or do I need to start something?

I’ll risk being overly cautious and ask again about making sure that none of my Plex playlists, metadata, etc. will be lost when I uninstall Plex. You’ve already told me it wouldn’t. One final ask can’t hurt.

I’ll wait to hear from you. Again, I’m a huge fan of Plex. I LOVE it. Your help is just so amazing.

Once I get to the #6 item about fixing permissions, I’ll reach out. BTW, is there a chance I won’t need to? Does that ever happen?

THANKS!!!

[bubbascant]

I did cover this in my note from today related to adding another drive to the 423. It’s mentioned right under my “What to do from #4” comment.

Here’s quick update just to make it clearer.

NEXT STEPS FOR ME:

• Uninstall Plex on Synology. Do I reinstall it or wait until migration is complete?
• I shut off my DS720+ and remove both drives.
• I put both drives in the new DS423+ and turn it on
• I see the migration screen come up and then www.find.synology.com and select my NAS
• Once migration finishes, put in the new drive and add it to the existing volume. I don’t need to turn off the 423+ Synology says because it’s hot-swap unit.

What to do from #5 on is where I need specific steps. I wait to install Plex until it finishes migration and the new drive is added? I think that should be what I would do. Let the new drive get set up with the other two and then start your note back to me today?

THANKS!

Please let me know.