@Lacyt posted a new topic, subject "Converting MyCloud Home to simple external hard drive". It read:

   I have come to the conclusion that using a Western Digital MyCloud Home for a NAS running PMS is no longer a viable option. The PMS version on this device is nearly three versions behind the current one available to just about every other platform that supports Plex and no help from WD about the issues I'm now experiencing with Plex; i.e., features and function disappearing, which will eventually render PMS unusable if WD continues refusing to update it, which it seems they haven't done since 2017?
    
    Therefore, I want to convert this device (purchased in Dec 2020) to a simple external hard drive for media storage only and run Plex media server software on a nice little Windows mini desktop. Does simply disabling it in the MyCloud web app do that?

To which @tom80H replied

    Disabling the Plex service on the MyCloud will remove the server and your server configuration, but not your media. Therefore you should still be able to connect your new Windows based PMS to the MyCloud as storage.  
    At least that's what I take from the related support article…
    
    > > **Warning!** : If you later choose to Disable the Plex service, that will also remove all installation data. Your media will remain, but all information about your library setup, watched status, etc. will be removed.
    
    # 
    
    If you want to maintain some watched status or ratings, you might want to download your library first and manually transfer them. Given the version gap, I'm not 100% sure this will work though.
    
    Plex Support
    
    ### Move Viewstate/Ratings from One Install to Another | Plex Support
    
    The watched/unwatched, view progress, and ratings are stored in an install-independent fashion that makes them easy to move between installations...

Then @Lacyt said

    Thank you! That's what I thought. Just needed some knowledgeable confirmation.
    
    I first began using Plex on a dedicated Windows laptop several years ago and all was consistently well with it, both on the laptop and through my Roku box. Then a friend bought me this NAS not knowing the unresolved Plex problems it's had for so many people for so long. And, yes, all my media and other work product has always been backed up to two externals connected to my desktop so that if disaster occurs, just unplug and run for higher ground.
    
    At present, I have a Dell Precision T1700 with a Xeon CPU I use to create and edit videos because the Xeon is designed for servers. If I can't find a mini PC with that CPU, which of the I-cores might you recommend instead? Maxing the ram in any case, of course, but also, what about video for it as I've never had a good experience with onboard for such tasks as this.
    
    Thank you!

@Lacyt replied

    Should add that I use Plex locally only and don't access it all that much so I don't need a warlord type of server.
    
    Also just realized I won't find a Xeon on a mini so am looking at refurbed Zotac Zbox, Lenovo Thinkcentre, and SFF Dells.

@tom80H replied

    Unless you expect to be constantly multi-streaming your media to dozens of family members, a decent Core i5 (Kaby Lake and upwards) should do the job just fine. That is unless you want to use that device also as a radiator / oven combination.

To which @Lacyt replied

    “radiator / oven combination” lol!
    
    No, no piggybackers and I only access it occasionally so laptop it is so I won't have to buy a monitor, kb, and mouse.
    
    Thanks again!

Then @system said

    This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.


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