Plex Backup Completeness: What steps should you take if your backup doesn’t include all libraries?

Introduction: The Backup Blunder

Strapping in for another movie night or gearing up for an epic binge-watch session only to find some of your precious Plex libraries are missing can feel like a catastrophe. The importance of backing up your Plex libraries can’t be overstated; it’s your insurance against data loss, corruption, and unplanned hardware failures. Yet, files can slip through the cracks, and backups might not always be as complete as you’d wish. The good news is, whether your backup has gone awry or you’re missing chunks of your libraries, there are structured steps you can take to perform a post-mortem and come out on top.

Diagnosing the Backup Issue

Identifying Missing Libraries

The first step to rectify incomplete backups is figuring out precisely what’s missing. Start by performing a thorough comparison between your Plex media server and the backup you’ve made. Identify which libraries are absent or not fully backed up.

Tools and Methods to Check Plex Backup Logs

Plex logs are your best friends here. Use the Plex Media Server logs located in the directory where your Plex data is stored. The logs can indicate errors or skipped files. Tools like PlexPy or Tautulli can provide detailed insights into backup activities and discrepancies.

Understanding Plex’s Backup Hierarchy

How Plex Organizes Libraries and Metadata

Plex categorizes your content into libraries, each with its own metadata, viewing history, and user settings. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for a thorough backup.

Types of Data Included in Standard Backups

A standard Plex backup usually includes the databases, metadata, and preferences. Your media files are, more often than not, stored separately. It’s pivotal to ensure both the metadata and the media are accounted for in your backup to prevent hiccups during restoration.

Manual Backup Techniques

Exporting and Importing Libraries Manually

Sometimes, a hands-on approach is best. Manually exporting and importing libraries allows you to cherry-pick exactly what needs backing up. Use the option to export your library’s metadata and save it as an XML file. When importing, Plex will recognize the metadata and associate it with the corresponding media files.

Using Third-Party Tools for Comprehensive Backups

Third-party tools like Plex Meta Manager or BackupPC can automate the process, ensuring no library is left behind. These tools delve deep into Plex’s ecosystem to pull out every nugget of information, giving you a more comprehensive backup.

Automating Your Backup Process

Scheduled Backups Using Plex’s Built-in Tools

Plex offers built-in tools that let you schedule regular backups. Configure these tools to ensure periodic check-ups and automatic backups, reducing the risk of missing out on new libraries or metadata additions.

Automating with Scripts and Third-Party Plugins

For the more adventurous, employing scripts and third-party plugins can provide an even more robust solution. Scripts like rsync combined with cron jobs can automate your backups, while third-party plugins like Tautulli automate tracking and logging.

Verifying Your Backup Integrity

Methods for Ensuring Completeness of the Backup

Once your backup is in place, don’t relax just yet. Validate its integrity by cross-referencing with your live libraries. Use tools like checksum verification to compare files and ensure nothing is left out.

Regular Checks and Test Restorations

Routine checks are critical. Perform periodic test restorations to verify the completeness and seamlessness of your backup. This practice will keep you prepared when an actual need arises.

Troubleshooting Missing Libraries

Common Issues Causing Incomplete Backups

Incompleteness often stems from permissions issues, network errors, or simply the backup process not recognizing new libraries. Identifying the root cause helps streamline a more consistent backup procedure.

Steps to Resolve Missing Folder/Path Issues

Ensure that Plex has the necessary permissions to access all media folders and paths. Correcting these permissions and ensuring that all network drives are correctly mapped will mitigate many backup issues.

Getting Professional Help

When to Seek Expert Assistance

If you’re finding this all too labyrinthine or just don’t have the time, it might be worth bringing in the big guns. Sometimes, professional assistance can save hours of troubleshooting and prevent potential data loss.

Resources and Communities to Leverage

Remember, you’re not alone. Resources like Reddit’s /r/Plex, Plex’s own forums, and various online communities are brimming with knowledgeable aficionados ready to help.

Conclusion: Triumph Over the Backup Blues

Mastering Plex backups ensures your libraries are fortified against any digital cataclysm. Follow the structured steps: diagnose the issue, understand the hierarchy, manually back up if necessary, automate the process, verify integrity, and troubleshoot any glitches. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. A little diligence now saves a world of headache later—backup blues be gone!