Introduction
Before moving your Plex server to another computer, it is important to understand the process and the necessary steps to ensure a successful transfer.
Step 1: Prepare the New Computer
To begin the process of moving your Plex server to another computer, you will first need to prepare the new computer. This involves ensuring that the computer meets the system requirements for running Plex, which include a compatible operating system and enough storage space to hold your media library.
If the new computer does not meet the requirements, you may need to consider upgrading the hardware or selecting a different computer for the transfer. It is also important to ensure that the new computer is connected to your local network and has access to the internet.
Step 2: Backup Your Media Library and Plex Data
Before proceeding with the transfer, it is crucial to take a backup of your media library and Plex data from the original computer. This backup will serve as a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the transfer process.
To back up your media library, you can simply copy the entire library folder to an external hard drive or a network-attached storage (NAS) device. Ensure that all your media files, including movies, TV shows, and music, are included in the backup.
In addition to the media library backup, Plex also provides an option to export your Plex server settings and metadata. This export feature is available within the Plex server settings and allows you to create a backup file containing your library metadata, watched status, and other server settings.
Once you have completed the backup, securely transfer the media library and backup file to the new computer.
Step 3: Install Plex on the New Computer
Now that you have prepared the new computer and backed up your media library, the next step is to install Plex on the new computer. Plex is available for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and NAS devices.
Visit the official Plex website and download the appropriate installer for your new computer’s operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Once Plex is successfully installed, open the Plex application.
Step 4: Restore Media Library and Plex Data
With Plex installed on the new computer, it’s time to restore your media library and Plex data from the backup. Connect the external hard drive or NAS device containing the media library backup to the new computer.
In the Plex application, go to the settings menu and look for the “Manage Libraries” option. From there, select the “Add Library” button and choose the appropriate media type (e.g., Movies, TV Shows, Music). Browse to the location of your media library backup and select the corresponding folder.
To restore the Plex data backup, go to the settings menu again and this time select the “Server” tab. Under the “Backup” section, click on the “Restore” button and locate the backup file you created earlier. Plex will then restore your library metadata, watched status, and server settings.
Step 5: Update Settings and Test
After restoring your media library and Plex data, it is important to review and update any necessary settings on the new computer. This may include configuring remote access, updating user access permissions, or adjusting transcoding settings based on the new computer’s capabilities.
Once you have made the necessary changes, it is recommended to test the Plex server on the new computer. Start by launching the Plex application and accessing your media library to ensure that all your media files are accessible and playback is working as expected.
Additionally, you can test remote access by accessing your Plex server from a different device or location. If everything functions correctly, congratulations! You have successfully moved your Plex server to another computer.
In conclusion, moving your Plex server to another computer involves preparing the new computer, backing up your media library and Plex data, installing Plex on the new computer, restoring the media library and Plex data from the backup, updating settings, and testing the server on the new computer. By following these steps, you can seamlessly transfer your Plex server and continue enjoying your media collection on a new machine.
Backing Up Your Plex Server
Before moving your Plex server to another computer, it is essential to create a backup of your server’s data and settings. This ensures that you do not lose any of your valuable content or configuration during the transfer process.
To back up your Plex server, follow these steps:
Contents
Step 1: Stop the Plex Server
The first step in creating a backup is to stop the Plex server. This ensures that no data is being written or modified while you create the backup.
To stop the Plex server, open the Plex web interface on your current computer. Click on the settings icon in the top-right corner, and then select “Server” from the dropdown menu. In the Server settings, click on “Shutdown” to stop the Plex server.
Step 2: Locate the Plex Media Server Data Directory
Next, you need to locate the Plex Media Server data directory on your computer. This directory contains all the data and settings you need to back up.
The default location of the Plex Media Server data directory varies depending on your operating system:
- Windows: C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server
- Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/
- Linux: /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server
Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and navigate to the Plex Media Server data directory.
Step 3: Copy the Plex Media Server Data Directory
Once you have located the Plex Media Server data directory, create a copy of the entire directory and its contents. This will serve as your backup.
You can copy the directory using the built-in copy/paste functionality of your operating system. Right-click on the Plex Media Server data directory and select “Copy.” Then, navigate to a desired backup location and right-click again, this time selecting “Paste” to create a copy of the directory.
Step 4: Verify the Backup
After the backup process is complete, it is crucial to verify the integrity of the backup to ensure that all necessary files and settings have been successfully copied.
To verify the backup, compare the file size and the number of files in the original Plex Media Server data directory and the copied backup directory. They should match if the backup process was successful.
Step 5: Store the Backup Safely
Lastly, it is important to store your Plex server backup in a safe location to prevent any loss or damage. Consider using external storage devices, cloud storage services, or multiple physical locations for redundancy.
Remember to update your backup regularly to ensure that it always reflects the current state of your Plex server.
Installing Plex on the New Computer
To successfully move your Plex server to a new computer, you’ll need to start by installing the Plex Media Server software on the new machine. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Open a web browser on the new computer and visit the official Plex website.
2. On the Plex website, locate the “Downloads” section and click on it.
3. Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system. Plex supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. Click on the download link for your specific operating system.
4. Once the installer file finishes downloading, locate it on your computer and double-click on it to launch the installation process.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Plex Media Server on the new computer.
6. After the installation is complete, launch Plex Media Server from the desktop shortcut or through the Start menu.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Plex Media Server on your new computer. Now it’s time to move your Plex server data and settings from the old computer.
Restoring the Backup
Once you have successfully installed Plex on your new computer, the next step is to restore the backup you created earlier. This will allow you to transfer all your media files, libraries, and settings seamlessly.
Restoring the backup is a straightforward process that can be done by following these steps:
Step 1: Locate the backup file
The first thing you need to do is locate the backup file that you created when moving Plex to another computer. If you’re not sure where the backup file is located, you can check the default backup folder or any custom folder you might have chosen during the backup process.
Step 2: Launch Plex Media Server
Next, launch Plex Media Server on the new computer. Make sure it is running and fully operational before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Access the Plex server settings
In order to restore the backup, you need to access the server settings within Plex. This can usually be done by clicking on the “Settings” icon or navigating to the “Preferences” section of the application.
Step 4: Choose the “Backup” option
Within the server settings, you should find an option labeled “Backup” or something similar. Click on this option to open the backup menu.
Step 5: Select the backup file
Once you’re in the backup menu, you will have the option to select the backup file you want to restore. Use the browse or select button to locate the backup file that you found in Step 1.
Step 6: Initiate the restore process
After selecting the backup file, you can initiate the restore process by clicking on the “Restore” or “Import” button. Plex will then begin restoring your media files, libraries, and settings from the backup file.
Step 7: Wait for the restore to complete
The restore process may take some time depending on the size of your backup file and the speed of your computer. It is important to be patient and allow Plex to complete the restore process without interruptions.
Step 8: Verify the restore
Once the restore process is complete, you should verify that all your media files, libraries, and settings have been successfully transferred to the new computer. Take some time to go through your media library and ensure everything is in order.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily restore the backup file and transfer your entire Plex server to a new computer. This ensures that you don’t lose any of your valuable media files or settings during the transition.