Moving Library between storage volumes but maintaining relative path

[Didiflix 3]

Hello everyone,

I got a file system error in my volume1, and need to move my Main Emby Video libraries as Movies, TV Shows and custom metadata videos (example: homebrewing documentaries and youtube downloads) to another volume2.

Since I have the NFO data in each media directory, I thought it would be as simple as copy the overall content and just update the library from /volume1/path to /volume2/path, however the field to change the folder path (indicated in yellow) is read-only.

When clicking the pencil the Folder in Select Path window is read-only (to maintain integrity, I understand)

 

I tried to add a new Folder and remove the previous, but the NFO metadata is not being used to update the library.

Especially for my custom libraries, it took me a while to update and reference all the documentaries and other personal files I have in the NFO metadata. I'd like to avoid going through that again.

I see 2 alternatives:

1) Stop the Emby Server and make this change the path directly in the metadata database field (hopefully one field only, and the file location path is not spread throughout many tables in the database), something like a SQL command would do as replace '\volume1\path' to "\volume2\path' ; else

2) Some sort of flag to force the NFO to be updated in the directory to be used while reloading the video library.

Thanks in advance,

 

Edited December 17, 2024 by Didiflix
Typo correction

[Luke 39631]

HI, there is currently no way to do this other than removing the old and adding the new. This is on our to do list to have an easy way of doing this though.

[Didiflix 3]

Thank you. I'll make that move manually then.

[Virgus 1]

On 12/18/2024 at 2:00 AM, Luke said:

HI, there is currently no way to do this other than removing the old and adding the new. This is on our to do list to have an easy way of doing this though.

Hello I just discovered Emby and was wondering how to configure a similar setup. I was searching trough github issues and then found this topic.

Woudn't it be possible to use symlinks/junctions as relative paths ? I would imagine a "portable" folder named "media" at the same level of "programdata" where to place folders or symlinks/junctions and let the server see always the same folders at the same places. In case one of them not available momentarily it should be hidden from the main dashboard. It would thus be easy even to change PC in a "nomadic" use (as in my case) with the full content or even just a subset of media content.

E.g copy on a usb SSD the Emby Server with a couple of needed folders and use it on a friend's PC without any issue. It would be a dream come true to have such a nomadic media center !

[Luke 39631]

On 12/24/2024 at 1:06 AM, Virgus said:

Hello I just discovered Emby and was wondering how to configure a similar setup. I was searching trough github issues and then found this topic.

Woudn't it be possible to use symlinks/junctions as relative paths ? I would imagine a "portable" folder named "media" at the same level of "programdata" where to place folders or symlinks/junctions and let the server see always the same folders at the same places. In case one of them not available momentarily it should be hidden from the main dashboard. It would thus be easy even to change PC in a "nomadic" use (as in my case) with the full content or even just a subset of media content.

E.g copy on a usb SSD the Emby Server with a couple of needed folders and use it on a friend's PC without any issue. It would be a dream come true to have such a nomadic media center !

Hi, in theory yes this is possible, but just be aware that it isn't being actively tested.

[Virgus 1]

On 12/28/2024 at 7:29 PM, Luke said:

Hi, in theory yes this is possible, but just be aware that it isn't being actively tested.

Thanks for your reply Luke.

Do you mean that the relative paths are already "tweakable" ? If I try to use a relative path (e.g. Test placed in the same path where programdata is) the server accepts it but the full path is stored. If I change then the path where Emby server is placed the Test path is not following the server's path change. It seems that relative paths option is not yet implemented as far that I can see...

Cheers and happy new year to all of you !

Virginio

[Luke 39631]

17 hours ago, Virgus said:

Thanks for your reply Luke.

Do you mean that the relative paths are already "tweakable" ? If I try to use a relative path (e.g. Test placed in the same path where programdata is) the server accepts it but the full path is stored. If I change then the path where Emby server is placed the Test path is not following the server's path change. It seems that relative paths option is not yet implemented as far that I can see...

Cheers and happy new year to all of you !

Virginio

Hi, no, relative paths should not be used in library setup. It will convert to the full path.

What I meant that in theory might be possible is the symlink trick.

[yaksplat 62]

This is why I use UNC paths in libraries.  You can always change what the path is pointing to with no changes within Emby. 

[hapylestat 9]

for such reason - just use container, where mount path would keep the paths consistent.....