Even when I’m at home, I can’t access my server. I recently did a clean install of Windows on both my PC and Laptop, but didn’t touch any settings on my home network. Remote access isn’t working, but that shouldn’t have anything to do with accessing the server on my home network, should it? I needed to create a new server, which is now causing me issues. Am I being stupid and missing some simple setup?
Is the windows firewall blocking incoming connections? Try turning it off briefly to see.
No mention of forwarding the port in your router. So that’s a simple step that seems skipped.
I tried toggling the firewall, and it didn’t seem to change the outcome. I was out for the evening, and it seems to be working now that I’m home. However, I’m still having issues with remote access and my Avast VPN not working together, but seems to remedy itself if I turn the VPN off.
I did try setting it up. I think I have the problem solved for my home network, but I’m using the Avast SecureLine VPN, which doesn’t seem to be allowing for remote access.
So you have a VPN on the same computer that has Plex? A VPN bypasses your router, so port forwarding will be totally hindered. Turn it off and see.
Plex should not be behind a firewall.
Yes I’m running a VPN on the computer that is acting as my main server. When I turn the VPN off, everything seems to work fine.
So there’s the issue. You should read up on how VPNs work… not sure what you’re hoping to accomplish with Avast. I would highly recommend you stop using it and get an actual VPN if you are after security/privacy. (Avast does nothing except complicate your network. They are selling your data to pay for the VPN.)
So you have your Plex set up and working, then you connect the VPN – this is like picking up the server and moving it to another location. So now your port forwarding stops working.
So does Avast not really mask my location? Or what do you mean “get an actual VPN”? I went with this one because I use other Avast services, so I thought it would be more convenient.
Is there a way to bypass the VPN so Plex stays on my native IP?
Yes, Avast masks your location, but it doesn’t hide you from anything. If an attorney contacts Avast, they will give your information and your ISP, etc. If you are torrenting, for instance… they will turn you in. Also, any site that has a login is tracking you… then they serve you ads, so they know who you are… so does any site that use the same ad service.
There is no such thing as a “free VPN”, you have to pay for a “non-logging” VPN if you are attempting to be secure and private. $2/month can get you a legit VPN… check out /r/VPNTorrents for recommendations.
To keep Plex off the VPN, you will have to look into “split tunneling”. It is a steep learning curve and is easy to mess up, so be careful. It is MUCH easier to run the VPN on a separate machine… like a RaspPi and do your hidden stuff from there.