Moving Server to different PC

[elshagon 44]

I've noticed low fps when transcoding on the pc the Emby server is currently on.  I'm thinking of moving the server over to another pc which is much more powerful hardware wise.  Here's my questions:

1.  Should I install the server on the new pc from scratch, or would it bet better to install and then copy/paste folders from the other pc to retain all the metadata and setting etc?  Is this even possible?

2.  I currently have my media on two external hard drives on the old pc.  I'm guessing it would be best to move those external hard drives to the new pc? 

 

I figure I will make sure to do it right so all goes smooth in the transition.  Thanks for any input.

[Deathsquirrel 745]

If you aren't already doing so, I strongly recommend that on your new server you configure it to save metadata with the media files.  Then in this kind of scenario the rebuild is much, much faster.

[elshagon 44]

If you aren't already doing so, I strongly recommend that on your new server you configure it to save metadata with the media files.  Then in this kind of scenario the rebuild is much, much faster.

Nope, I haven't started this yet.  I'm going to do it at the end of the week.  This will give me a chance to decide how to best go about it.

[jamvids 38]

You can just copy the entire server onto an external hdd and copy it back if you copy the folders in C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Emby-Server. Make sure when you set your pc up it has the same pc name as your previous pc so that your shared drives have the same network path name exactly. I have done this before and it worked great.

Edited March 7, 2016 by jamvids

[MSattler 390]

If you aren't already doing so, I strongly recommend that on your new server you configure it to save metadata with the media files.  Then in this kind of scenario the rebuild is much, much faster.

 

Only one caveat there, for unRAID users for storage I recommend saving the metadata on the Emby Folder.  Else if the images are not cached in Emby it's going to spin up all the drives and cause the UI performance to be slower than usual.

[elshagon 44]

You can just copy the entire server onto an external hdd and copy it back if you copy the folders in C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Emby-Server. Make sure when you set your pc up it has the same pc name as your previous pc so that your shared drives have the same network path name exactly. I have done this before and it worked great.

But I could just go into the server and change the network path for my shared drives/folders without any problems right?  This way I wouldn't have to change both computer names.

[Happy2Play 9780]

I would do a clean install.

 

If I understand correctly you don't save metadata with media, the database will contain your old path location and have to be recreated with new shares, so itemids will change. It will have to pull all metadata again.

 

You can use the Server Configuration plugin or How to migrate Emby Server for users, userdata ...ect.

[NomadCF 15]

After having to setup, move and reinstall emby ~6 times in the year. This is my personal method/way, I do my emby server moves/migrations.

1. backup the current server using the backup plugin 
2. Install emby on the new server
3. recreate your library
4. AFTER everything is done being scanned, re-added, etc then add in any plugins.
5. restore ONLY the users & basic server settings from backup plugin, No plugins, library settings, etc. (To many times it's f'ed up trying to reinstall plugins, and the server runs leaner after a fresh library rebuild verses a import and rebuild/scans)

Storing metadata separate with your library does make migrations faster, but library scans slower. 

[jamvids 38]

I think it said somewhere to try and keep the network paths the same, this ensures that the resumes, favourites, plays etc stay intact. I did use the backup plugin last time. It worked okay. I had issues with playlists and users but solved the problems. Can help you out if you need later on.

 

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[elshagon 44]

I think it said somewhere to try and keep the network paths the same, this ensures that the resumes, favourites, plays etc stay intact. I did use the backup plugin last time. It worked okay. I had issues with playlists and users but solved the problems. Can help you out if you need later on.

 

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So I guess my options are:

1.  Leave the external hard drives on my old pc

2.  Move them over and change the names on both pc's along with hard drive letters to keep the paths the same

 

I'm not sure if leaving the external hard drives containing my library on the old computer would be problematic vs. moving them over to the new one.  Changing both computers names seems like it could open a can of worms as well.

[Happy2Play 9780]

If you do a clean install and just move your drives to your new system you will be fine.  Just have to wait for a library scan to complete. 

 

Use the plugin or manual method to move over users and userdata.

[elshagon 44]

Thanks guys, I will most likely tackle this over the weekend.  I always like to prepare ahead of time to avoid extra time and headache.  

[jamvids 38]

You don't need to change the hard drive letters, it doesn't come into play when you set a folder up as a shared drive.

 

I was advised to copy the server folders as a safe backup. Last time I did use the backup plugin. My server is a lot quicker with the fresh install tbh. The backup plugin kept all of my watched and resumes etc. Fairly painless. I think I copied the art (people) folder back into the server as I manually added some images that emby didn't find. It's going to be a learning curve, have fun.

 

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[elshagon 44]

You don't need to change the hard drive letters, it doesn't come into play when you set a folder up as a shared drive.

 

I was advised to copy the server folders as a safe backup. Last time I did use the backup plugin. My server is a lot quicker with the fresh install tbh. The backup plugin kept all of my watched and resumes etc. Fairly painless. I think I copied the art (people) folder back into the server as I manually added some images that emby didn't find. It's going to be a learning curve, have fun.

 

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Thanks.  Is that Richard Kiel in your profile pic?  He started his career here where I live.

[jamvids 38]

Yeah, I put that on when he passed, I loved his role in happy gilmore

 

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