Server no longer running - need help

[HoosierDaddy 3]

Hi,

It's been many years since I installed Emby server on a Windows 10 Pro HTPC that is used for nothing else. The only client (if right term) for the server is a Roku Emby app. Both the HTPC and Roku device are on the same ethernet network.

The next paragraphs in bold may not have any bearing on the problem but am including them since they relate to Emby and happened right before I noticed the problem.

This morning I switched the Roku to a wireless network not part of the network the HTPC is on.

When I started the Emby app, it failed to connect. It took me a few minutes for the face palm realization for why: they no longer had any way to find each other. But the app suggested using a way to connect over the internet and asked me to enter a displayed pin on the internet after which the Roku Emby app just kept "spinning" until Roku decided nothing was happening and closed the app.

I logged onto the HTPC and expected to see an open browser with the server running as every other time I logged on for many years. But instead, the browser just had a tab for HTTP://LocalHost:8096 with error message saying can't or won't connect.

The best I can tell the server is not running. I'm not even sure which local windows account I installed it under years ago.  

I have no idea where to start to fix this but worry I might mess something up badly just trying random things. 

FWIW, Windows is fully up to date and configured to do that automatically. Emby server also had always updated itself when starting after a boot.

 

 

[GrimReaper 4748]

14 minutes ago, HoosierDaddy said:

I have no idea where to start to fix this

By confirming whether the server is actually running. Do you see Emby icon in your tray? Does Task Manager list EmbyServer process?

[rbjtech 5284]

27 minutes ago, HoosierDaddy said:

I logged onto the HTPC and expected to see an open browser with the server running as every other time I logged on for many years. But instead, the browser just had a tab for HTTP://LocalHost:8096 with error message saying can't or won't connect.

The best I can tell the server is not running. I'm not even sure which local windows account I installed it under years ago.  

From the above - I would say it is not running.

Using the windows file search facility - try and find 'EmbyServer.exe'

That is the file you need to run to start Emby.

Try just double clicking it in the search output (assuming it finds it) and then re-try the browser as you did before - HTTP://LocalHost:8096 

If it then works - make sure you configure the 'start up' options before closing the browser. - server > settings > Run server at Startup = Yes + Launch Browser = Yes + Save.

 

Edited December 21, 2022 by rbjtech

[HoosierDaddy 3]

19 minutes ago, GrimReaper said:

By confirming whether the server is actually running. Do you see Emby icon in your tray? Does Task Manager list EmbyServer process?

Doh! That would confirm.

It's not there. I should have noticed/checked that. Thanks.

[HoosierDaddy 3]

1 hour ago, rbjtech said:

From the above - I would say it is not running.

Using the windows file search facility - try and find 'EmbyServer.exe'

That is the file you need to run to start Emby.

Try just double clicking it in the search output (assuming it finds it) and then re-try the browser as you did before - HTTP://LocalHost:8096 

If it then works - make sure you configure the 'start up' options before closing the browser. - server > settings > Run server at Startup = Yes + Launch Browser = Yes + Save.

 

Thanks!

That took some hoops to jump thru.

No such file initially found in Windows search.

Then I discovered for who knows why, search settings were set to exclude dozens of C drive folders many of which seemed likely locations for that. So, I removed all from the excluded folder list. Then I recalled that an earlier search today suggested Emby files might be in AppData folders which are hidden, so changed Explorer settings to show hidden files in case search used the same setting. Then waited for Search to scan the new locations.....

Bingo. There is just ONE occurrence of EmbyServer.exe. It's In C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM.OLD. The date on that folder and file is 2022-11-05. Note the .OLD in folder name. 

There is also a folder C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM (no .OLD on the end) dated 2022-12-13. It does not have the server .exe.

I did not compare file by file but they both have over 400 files but the .OLD has 1 more file. 

Does this sound like some kind of failed update attempted on December 13th? It's quite possible that I had not used EMBY since then.

 

 

Edited December 21, 2022 by HoosierDaddy

[GrimReaper 4748]

4 minutes ago, HoosierDaddy said:

Does this sound like some kind of failed update attempted on December 13th?

It might be that something went amiss during update.

2022-11-05 sounds about right for 4.7.9.0 update, but 2022-12-13 update was 4.7.11, you should've had 4.7.10.0 in between those if server was updating regularly and SYSTEM.OLD would carry that date.

Anyway, since you're already on 4.7+ branch it is possible you can downgrade and db has not been corrupted during failed update: delete C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM folder, rename C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM.OLD to C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM, run server and see how does it compare (it will eventually auto-update itself again if you have auto updates enabled). 

[HoosierDaddy 3]

2 hours ago, GrimReaper said:

It might be that something went amiss during update.

2022-11-05 sounds about right for 4.7.9.0 update, but 2022-12-13 update was 4.7.11, you should've had 4.7.10.0 in between those if server was updating regularly and SYSTEM.OLD would carry that date.

Anyway, since you're already on 4.7+ branch it is possible you can downgrade and db has not been corrupted during failed update: delete C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM folder, rename C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM.OLD to C:\USERS\ADMIN\DOWNLOADS\EMBYSERVER-WIN-X64-4.4.2.0\SYSTEM, run server and see how does it compare (it will eventually auto-update itself again if you have auto updates enabled). 

Thanks! That worked.

But, I am not understanding some things.

Why/how is EmbyServer running out of a Windows account Download folder? And why is it in a folder with an old version number in the folder name (4.4.2.0)?

And is the answer that I installed Emby back in the day in a non optimal way?

Edited December 21, 2022 by HoosierDaddy

[GrimReaper 4748]

5 minutes ago, HoosierDaddy said:

Why/how is EmbyServer running out of a Windows account Download folder? And why is it in a folder with an old version number in the folder name (4.4.2.0)?

Because you downloaded the portable version and you've been running it from there. 

5 minutes ago, HoosierDaddy said:

And is the answer that I installed Emby back in the day in a non optimal way?

Depends how one looks at it, there's practically no difference between "installed" and "portable" version, you might just as well rename that folder by removing that 4.4.2.0 and place complete server folder in the location of your choosing. 

 

Edited December 21, 2022 by GrimReaper

[HoosierDaddy 3]

49 minutes ago, GrimReaper said:

Because you downloaded the portable version and you've been running it from there. 

Depends how one looks at it, there's practically no difference between "installed" and "portable" version, you might just as well rename that folder by removing that 4.4.2.0 and place complete server folder in the location of your choosing. 

 

Thanks for taking time to explain that!

I'll rename and move elsewhere. I'm guessing I'll have to figure out and change whatever points to the location to start the server from when I log onto the Admin Windows account.

I'm beginning to think the only reason I always have to log onto the Admin account has something to do with me installing it portable. Will read up to see if non-portable installation will start the server even if no Windows accounts are logged on. And if so, look into changing to a non portable install.

Thanks again for everything. 

[Luke 42083]

Let us know how you get on. Thanks.

[rbjtech 5284]

Great - glad to see it's now fixed.

8 hours ago, HoosierDaddy said:

Will read up to see if non-portable installation will start the server even if no Windows accounts are logged on. And if so, look into changing to a non portable install.

This is just a matter of making it run as a 'service'.  It doesn't matter where the emby files are located - but usually you put this in a dedicated, non user profile related area because if in a user profile area, you may need to give the 'service' the same permissions as the user.  A better way is to create an Emby 'service' account dedicated to just Emby and run the service as that user.

https://support.emby.media/support/solutions/articles/44001159984-running-emby-server-as-a-windows-service

Edited December 22, 2022 by rbjtech

[GrimReaper 4748]

@cayars Maybe the above KB article should contain note that server will not auto-update when running as service and basic/general steps for doing so? 

[Carlo 4561]

I added a note to the bottom of that page which should have enough info to understand for anyone setting up a service.

Thanks!

[HoosierDaddy 3]

On 12/21/2022 at 4:31 PM, GrimReaper said:

Depends how one looks at it, there's practically no difference between "installed" and "portable" version, you might just as well rename that folder by removing that 4.4.2.0 and place complete server folder in the location of your choosing. 

After fixing the failed update by reverting to previous and reupdating, I put off renaming the folder until now.

I renamed the folder and Embyserver starts and runs fine. When server worked after renaming the folder, I assumed that meant the folder name wasn't stored in some setting somewhere. But I didn't want it in a window user download folder. So, I copied the folder elsewhere (C:\Program Files) and running from there does nothing. No Emby in tray, no Emby in Process Explorer, nothing in application event log. FWIW, I copied the folder by dragging it to the new location. Made sure explorer had hidden files viewable. Folders in old and new locations have the exact same sizes, number of folders, number of files. 

I'm hoping I just overlooked some step.

[GrimReaper 4748]

8 minutes ago, HoosierDaddy said:

So, I copied the folder elsewhere (C:\Program Files) 

Don't put it in C:\Program Files as Program Files and Program Files (x86) are usually write-protected for standard users. Move it, for example, to C:\ProgramData or make a new folder under C:\ drive. 

[HoosierDaddy 3]

20 hours ago, GrimReaper said:

Don't put it in C:\Program Files as Program Files and Program Files (x86) are usually write-protected for standard users. Move it, for example, to C:\ProgramData or make a new folder under C:\ drive. 

That was it. I really should have realized it.