Plex server setup/function issue...

[Dedayog]

Back story - I've got a Plex server setup in my office, specs in sig.  At first I set it up as a regular Windows 10 machine, I'd download/rip files om my main rig and then transfer them over the network to the Plex folders.  Playback was great.  Issue arose with power outages or needing to restart it while away (I spend a lot of time out of town).  

 

So I decided to set it up with no login verification and on a Kasa wifi power plug w/ the BIOS set to start on Power.  This way I can reset it remotely, as best I knew how.

 

Currently tho, I cannot see the Plex on my network since I removed the login it's no longer secure so Discovery isn't allowed?  Also, I'm getting playback issues when logging in remotely, like it won't always show as on even tho it is, or I can't log into it (red triangles showing it as unavailable).  I am not sure if this is internet related (I am on gig fiber) or due to the changes I made.

 

Basically I want to be able to see my Plex on the network to transfer files easily to it, have the ability to power cycle the PC remotely (I think this part is fine), and have Plex function properly once power cycled, either by auto logging in with no password check or with an auto-script or even if Plex loads BEFORE windows login and I can peruse Plex without the PC being logged in fully.

 

I don't know enough about networking and servers to properly phrase my questions, I hope it makes sense or I can try to clarify.

 

Thanks!

 

Edit: I wonder if adding the second kit of 2x4GB sticks is an issue, I get lag when trying to use some websites like Netflix login screen.  If so, it may be affecting the playing of movies, not sure.  I'm grasping at straws here, sorry.

[Statik]

Why do you have to restart your NAS while away? And how often do you get power outtages?

 

Have you tried just reinstalling the plex app on the NAS with the new settings?

[PorkishPig]

16 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

Basically I want to be able to see my Plex on the network to transfer files easily to it, have the ability to power cycle the PC remotely (I think this part is fine), and have Plex function properly once power cycled, either by auto logging in with no password check or with an auto-script or even if Plex loads BEFORE windows login and I can peruse Plex without the PC being logged in fully.

As long as Plex is being run with an administrator account, it shouldn't care whether the account has a password. Keep in mind that Windows will still show the sign in screen even without a password configured (unless configure otherwise), which will prevent Plex from launching automatically.

 

Personally, I would recommend switching to TrueNAS or Ubuntu Server for better reliability, though there is a bit of a learning curve. If you want to stick with Windows, your best bet is to run Plex as a service. You can achieve this with a tool called PmsService from https://github.com/cjmurph/PmsService/releases/tag/v1.1.7.

[Dedayog]

4 minutes ago, PorkishPig said:

As long as Plex is being run with an administrator account, it shouldn't care whether the account has a password. Keep in mind that Windows will still show the sign in screen even without a password configured (unless configure otherwise), which will prevent Plex from launching automatically.

 

Personally, I would recommend switching to TrueNAS or Ubuntu Server for better reliability, though there is a bit of a learning curve. If you want to stick with Windows, your best bet is to run Plex as a service. You can achieve this with a tool called PmsService from https://github.com/cjmurph/PmsService/releases/tag/v1.1.7.

Thanks for the reply.  

 

What does Plex as a Service accomplish?  You say if I want to stick with Windows (which I do unless it's jus a bad idea), but what will this help?

 

When I removed the password check for Windows, it generalized the internet connection "Internet" instead of the actual SSID name.  I assume I removed it from the "homegroup" type thing? I did the configure otherwise where I told Windows no need for a login screen just go right ahead into Windows.

 

 

 

 

[Dedayog]

10 minutes ago, Statik said:

Why do you have to restart your NAS while away? And how often do you get power outtages?

 

Have you tried just reinstalling the plex app on the NAS with the new settings?

Maybe due to a limitation of running Plex on Windows?  My gf will call me and ask if my Plex is up, I verify it is working and I pull it up on my TV but she is showing it's unavailable.  I restart it then she can see it.  I'll also get power flickers once every month or so, enough to restart the machine so it hangs at the Windows login screen.

 

I have not reinstalled Plex on the NAS in it's current config, I can do that tonight.

[PorkishPig]

Just now, Dedayog said:

What does Plex as a Service accomplish?

Services can launch before a user has logged in.

1 minute ago, Dedayog said:

When I removed the password check for Windows, it generalized the internet connection "Internet" instead of the actual SSID name.  I assume I removed it from the "homegroup" type thing? I did the configure otherwise where I told Windows no need for a login screen just go right ahead into Windows.

Make sure your Network profile is set to "Private" in your connection properties (Win+R, enter ms-settings:network in Run) and that Network Discovery is enabled under "Private" in Advanced Sharing Settings (Win+R, enter control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter in Run).

[Dedayog]

9 minutes ago, PorkishPig said:

Services can launch before a user has logged in.

Make sure your Network profile is set to "Private" in your connection properties (Win+R, enter ms-settings:network in Run) and that Network Discovery is enabled under "Private" in Advanced Sharing Settings (Win+R, enter control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter in Run).

Ahh, thank you.  I'll try these tonight and see where it gets me.

 

Appreciate all the replies!