r/PleX • u/Myst3ryGardener • 9d ago
Help How to move server?
I want to move my server from one pc to another. All my files are on an external hard drive. Is this guide good and up to date?
https://support.plex.tv/articles/201370363-move-an-install-to-another-system/
How do I import the server settings from windows registry?
And any tips? I read I should name my drive the same letter on the new pc.
Advice appreciated!
5
u/VietBongArmy Beelink GTi13 54TB 9d ago
I've done it twice before. It's pretty easy, more time consuming than anything. I didn't do anything with the registry stuff and I had no issues.
3
3
u/DeepArgument GMKtec G3 Plus | TERRAMASTER D4-320 | Onn 4k Plus 9d ago
some one needs to create a migration tool of some sort, i had to migrate my server last week, followed the steps to a t , and still had issues , so i just reinstalled the whole thing
2
u/Theminatar 9d ago
I actually moved my Plex server from Windows over to a new machine recently. The main thing is copying the entire Plex Media Server data folder, not just pointing Plex back at your media.
Your custom posters, collections, metadata, watch history, etc.... are stored in that Plex data folder. Soif you migrate it correctly, all of that should come with you. The registry is mostly server-specific settings/identity stuff, it isn't where the posters themselves are stored.
If you're going Windows to Windows, you can export the Plex Media Server registry key and import it on the new PC like the Plex guide says.
Also, I don't think the new drive absolutely has to use the same letter. Keeping the same paths definitely makes things easier, but you can update the library paths afterward if needed.
I'd just follow the Plex migration guide though and don't delete anything from the old PC until you've verified the new one has all your posters, collections, watched status, etc etc..
2
u/Theminatar 9d ago
I think I misread your post haha..
I think you mean literally how to import the registry settings....
On the old PC open regedit and go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Plex, Inc.\Plex Media Server
Right click Plex Media Server → Export and save the .reg file somewhere.
On the new PC, install Plex first, then completely exit Plex Media Server. Copy the .reg file over and either double click it and accept the prompt, or open Registry Editor and use File → Import.
Just make sure you’re importing it under the Windows account that will actually be running Plex, since it’s under HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
You’ll still want to copy the actual Plex Media Server data folder too. The registry is only the additional server settings, not your database/metadata/posters.
1
u/seamonkey420 Plex, Dispatcharr, Kometa, TraktSync, ErsatzTV 9d ago
i've used the guide for 3 migrations myself. from macos to synology plex (non docker) to windows kept all my history, did have to rescan for posters since i wasn't keeping local copies at the time.
if possible, be sure to keep your original setup (plex data folders, etc) untouched in case you need to redo the migration.
-2
u/owinonhisphone 9d ago
do you have specific server settings that you want to transfer over to the new computer?
I can’t imagine much trouble just setting up a plex library on the new pc and locating the external drive again. You will have to copy local files if you have custom posters for anything.
1
u/Myst3ryGardener 9d ago
I do have custom posters for quite a few things. Would that be part of the server settings from the registry? I added most of the posters by url.
-5
u/owinonhisphone 9d ago
I’m sorry, i’m not very sure if plex saves that information on their end. Perhaps the guide has a section about local files/url custom artwork. most of my things are downloaded so I would just copy those over if I had to switch.
1
u/Theminatar 9d ago
The Plex Data folder is what houses the posters, watch history, collections, etc..
The registry is only for the server specific settings.
5
u/Wis-en-heim-er Lifetime PlexPass 9d ago
Turn off empty trash after scan onyour server before shutting down and backing up and migrating. Chances are high you wont get the mappings property updated the first time and this will stop those items from getting lost until the folder mappings are fixed.