Fix the Plex media server “Not Opening on PC” error.

If you encounter the message “an error occurred loading items to play” while watching a movie on Plex, you can try the following solutions, as one is likely to fix the issue.

Fix 1: Set the storage path

The most accessible and most effective way to prevent this issue from happening again is to take these steps. Doing so will make you able to fix the Plex media server.

Step 1: By default, Plex stores all its data in a centralized place, the Windows user’s AppData directory on the system drive.

Step 2: If your system drive is a smaller SSD or you’re facing capacity constraints, it’s advisable to change this location. 

Step 3: When you relocate your Plex data to a dedicated drive, it becomes easier to preserve your Plex server data, especially when switching machines or performing a clean Windows reinstall.

Step 4: For larger servers or collections, we recommend using a dedicated internal SSD. 

Fix 2: Turn off Firewall Temporarily

To address any issues with Plex, start by checking the Plex Server log file for potential errors. After that, a simple system restart can help refresh your computer. Ensure you’re using the latest version of Plex Media Server on your PC to ensure optimal performance.

Additionally, a working internet connection is crucial for Plex to communicate with other devices for file sharing. Verify that you are connected online. If you’re still encountering problems, investigate whether firewalls block external connections. As a troubleshooting step, you can temporarily turn off all firewalls and then restart Plex Media Server, which often resolves the issue of Plex not opening on your PC.

Fix 3: Reset your Plex Media Server

Here are some steps you can take to address Plex-related issues:

Step 1: Begin by unplugging the power cord from the back of your Plex media server and then plugging it back in. 

Step 2: Next, check the status of your network connection. Navigate to the “Settings” menu and select “Network” on your Plex Media Server.

Step 3: If the issue persists, consider rebooting your modem, router, and any other devices that might be causing interference with Plex Media Server’s internet signal. However, a fresh start for your network components can often clear up connectivity issues.

Step 4: Ensure no obstructions are near the antenna ports at the back of your wifi or computer. Sometimes, physical barriers can disrupt the wireless signal, affecting Plex’s performance.

Step 5: Finally, keep all your equipment up to date. This includes updating the firmware for all devices that streamed content through Plex Media Server, such as routers. Firmware updates can resolve compatibility issues and enhance overall functionality.

Method 4: Restart and Configure

Here are the reconfiguration steps for your Plex Server in a more organized format:

Step 1: Close Plex by exiting, ending, or closing the application.

Step 2: Open the Control Panel on your computer and stop all services related to Plex.

Step 3: Copy the entire Plex folder and paste it to a new location. Ensure the new location is not within the folder already added to the Plex library.

Step 4: Be patient during the transfer, as the time required depends on your library’s size.

Step 5: Open the Windows registry editor (regedit.exe).

Step 6: Here, navigate to the Plex Media Server branch. Now, create a new string.

Step 7: Edit the string and add the path of the new location. You must ensure it doesn’t include “plex media server” as the last part. 

Step 8: Always use folders when specifying the location. Avoid pointing Plex to a “naked” drive character, like just ‘D:\,’ as it can lead to complications.

Step 9: After making these changes, close the registry editor.

Step 10: Restart your computer.

Step 11: Your Plex Server should now reconfigure itself without issues and become available shortly.

Fix 5: Update your Plex Application

Follow the below-stated steps to update your Plex application:

Step 1: Click on the Start button, and in the search box, type “Microsoft Store.”

Step 2: Click on the Libary option available on the left pane

Step 3: After that, click on “Get updates” on the right side to update the Plex app.

Step 4: If there’s an update available, click it and wait till it’s updated.

Step 5: Once the update has finished, reopen the Plex app and see if the problem has been resolved.

An outdated Plex app can lead to it needing to be fixed. Fortunately, this can be resolved by installing the latest updates, which you can find in the Microsoft Store.

Conclusion

And that’s it!

We’ve provided all possible methods to fix the Plex media server not opening on your PC. Moreover, If you discover any other effective methods, please share them with us!

Recommended:

How Does Plex Work?

Kodi vs Plex: Which is Best For You? Detailed Comparison 2023.

Emby vs Plex: Which is the best media server for you?

The post 5 Methods to fix Plex media server not opening on PC appeared first on Tricky Enough.

Troubleshooting steps to fix Plex Remote access issue

If your server is not configured for remote access, it will display the message “Not available outside your network,” as mentioned earlier. This indicates that your Plex server hasn’t established a connection to the broader internet, and we can perform diagnostic procedures to address this issue. The internal IP address and port number of your Plex Media Server and the external or public IP address and port number will be provided.

Although noting both the internal and external IP addresses and port numbers can be helpful for troubleshooting, it’s optional for everyday use of Plex Media Server. Plex automatically manages all connections when logged into your Plex account on your media server and your clients.

1. Check the Connection of Plex Media Server

Remote access may only be a problem you encounter, but occasionally, troubleshooting is necessary. It’s important to remember that once you’ve logged into Plex and successfully connected to the Plex online server, your network access is functioning correctly. If you’re still facing remote access issues, the next step is to examine your router settings.

2. For Automatic Connections, Enable UPnP

The first step you should take is to check if your router supports either NAT-PMP or UPnP. These service protocols enable automatic port mapping, and if your router is compatible with either of them, the Plex Media Server will configure its port forwarding automatically. Typically, you can easily enable UPnP by referring to terms like “how to enable UPnP” in your router’s manual or online instructional resources, which are readily available. Once activated, Plex will seamlessly handle the port forwarding to establish a connection with the external internet.

3. Use Bridge Mode to Resolve Address Problems

Enabling UPnP is often the solution that resolves around 90% of connectivity issues. In rare cases, if UPnP doesn’t resolve the Plex’s connection to the public network, you may need to take additional network configuration steps. Some routers feature Network Address Translation (NAT), which manages the intricate task of handling incoming network requests to your single public-facing IP and directing them to the various internal IP addresses they are intended for.

4. Manually Forward Your Ports

If you prefer not to use UPnP, you can manually set up port forwarding to bypass the issue. Port forwarding instructs your router to direct traffic through a specific port and IP address. Here’s how to do it:

1. Enable manual port mode in Plex by going to Settings > Server > Remote Access.
2. Check “Manually specify public port.”
3. Keep the port number as is unless you have a specific reason to change it. Click “Apply.”

Configure the port forwarding rule on your router after assigning a static IP address to your Plex Media Server. For example, you can forward all traffic on external port 32400 to the internal IP address of your Plex server, also on port 32400. For more details on port forwarding, refer to our comprehensive guide.

5. Check Your Internet Upload Speed

Your server’s internet connection upload speed, measured in Mbps (Megabits per second), significantly impacts your streaming capabilities. To find this value, you can test your upload speed using a service like speedtest.net. Make sure to set it equal to or lower than the “upload” speed indicated by the test. A commonly referenced value for upload speed is 100Mbps.

6. Limited Remote Video Quality

You can establish a maximum upload speed for each playback stream. For example, you can choose not to permit any remote stream to exceed 4 Mbps, even if you have a greater total internet upload speed and allow multiple streams.

7. The Last Resort

If none of these options effectively enable remote access to Plex, your last resort is contacting your local Internet Service Provider (ISP). They can assess whether your internet connection is outward and capable of being mapped. Their engineers will make every effort to assist you in diagnosing and resolving any issues with your internet connection.

Conclusion

Setting up remote access for your Plex Media Server is usually easy. However, in some cases, network configuration issues may lead to Plex remote access problems. To “Fix Plex Remote” issues, we’ve outlined a series of troubleshooting steps to ensure your server connects seamlessly with the external internet. If you’re experiencing Plex remote access problems, follow these steps to ensure uninterrupted streaming and access to your media library. Your entertainment experience is just a few fixes away!

Recommended:

How to Set Up a Plex Media Server? (Complete Guide).

The post How to Fix Plex Remote Access not Working? appeared first on Tricky Enough.