"There was an error adding the media path"

[rekram]

Hi,

I'm setting up Jellyfin on a new machine.  I can access the old media files and see them in the Jellyfin Dashboard.

However, when I try to add new content, I'm getting this error message "There was an error adding the media path".

I'm running 10.9.6

The source files work in Plex, so I know they're functional and accessible.

Any suggestions?  I could just install from scratch, but that would mean getting all the metadata matched again.

Thanks

[TheDreadPirate]

File/folder permissions? What OS is server running?

[rekram]

Thanks.

Fileshare is set to "Everyone" and full rights. Running windows 10.

[TheDreadPirate]

How are the folders structured and which folder is the library pointed to in Jellyfin? And what are some example folder and file names?

[Cognicom]

Fileshare is set to "Everyone" and full rights.  Running windows 10.

Microsoft's interpretation of "everyone" hasn't always coincided with logic, especially since Windows 10 - and based on many reported problems over the years back in Reddit (and prior) days, most problems are associated with file permissions.

Having said that, it's unlikely that it's a permission issue with your media folder - if it was, you wouldn't be able to play/access existing (already in the database) media. More likely, it's a permission issue with your metadata folder.

AFAIK, the default paths for cache and metadata on Windows are;
C:\ProgramData\Jellyfin\Server\cache
C:\ProgramData\Jellyfin\Server\metadata
- but you can confirm their precise location by going to Dashboard -> General and looking at the paths specified there.

Then as a test, go and set "wide open" (i.e., "classic Microsoft") permissions on the folders to see if it's a permission issue here;
- Add "Guest" or "Guests" to the list of permissions,
- Assign "full control" to the added account, and make sure the properties are propagated to all child paths and files.

... Then check to see if Jellyfin can successfully add new media to its database - if so, it is a permission issue, and you can then go about properly rectifying it (which would involve firstly removing that "Guest" entry in order to regain safety, then adding whichever user the Jellyfin process runs under to the permissions list).

Another thing to check (though it probably won't be the cause, as Windows would surely have screamed a long time ago if it was) is how much free space you have on the drive housing the metadata.

[rekram]

Thank you!

For whatever reason, things seemed to "fix" themselves and I was able to add the library. Fun with Windows!

[vivisho]

Thank you!

For whatever reason, things seemed to "fix" themselves and I was able to add the library.  Fun with Windows!

How did you manage to fix that issue?
I am having the same problem.

[michael142857]

Same here. Been a few days (since i noticed it) and restart won't help. Folders are all have access to NETWORK SERVCE account. Jellyfin is UNABLE TO ADD *ANY* FOLDER, in ANY DRIVE. But it is able to play the video tho... I really don't wanna do the re-install and reconfig. hopefully it went away like you did as well. But please share solution if anyone has any pointers. thanks

[swedishdragon]

Hi, i have had this issue on and off with multiple diferent instances of jellyfin, with android app, I have to reload the app as active (swipe it away and re-open it) when I move around to different servers, for it to load anything. just now I have the issue with unable to add folder as media folder due to above reasons, changed the ownership of folder setup to top folder just to try it out, then I used the computer instead of the phone app to add mediafolders, and no issues now. only when using the phoneapp it cannot add.
Tried it on standalone, docker container and lxc container same thing on all three, skip using the phone app and use a computer instead.
Can someone please confirm, so I know next time I am playing around with my lab
regards

[TheDreadPirate]

This is a known issue, though I'm having trouble finding the ticket for this.

And I also have the same issue. I have to swipe away (force close) the Jellyfin app after switching to and from my test and main instance.