Fixing Immich 'Execution Error' On Unraid: A Troubleshooting Guide

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Troubleshooting Immich 'Execution Error' on Unraid

Hey guys! If you're here, you're probably pulling your hair out because you're seeing that pesky "Execution error Server error" message when trying to fire up Immich on your Unraid server. Don't worry, we've all been there! This can be a real head-scratcher, especially after a simple reboot. But fear not, because we're going to dive deep into how to troubleshoot this issue, find your logs, and get Immich back up and running smoothly. Let's get started!

Understanding the 'Execution Error' in Immich

So, what exactly does "Execution error Server error" mean in the context of Immich? Basically, it's a generic error message that indicates something went wrong when the Immich server tried to start or run a particular process. This could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from configuration problems to issues with the underlying services that Immich depends on, like the database or object storage. In your specific case, you mentioned that this error popped up after a reboot, and all your disks are working fine, which is great because that narrows down the possibilities.

Before we dive into the technical stuff, it's helpful to remember that Immich is a complex application. It relies on several components working in harmony. Think of it like a well-oiled machine: If one gear is off, the whole thing grinds to a halt. When you see this error, it's a signal that something is preventing Immich from starting up as expected. The beauty of this is that, with some clever detective work, we can often identify the problem and get things back on track. We'll explore the common culprits and how to investigate each one, so you can confidently tackle this issue and regain access to your precious photos and videos. We will also check some solutions to avoid future problems.

Locating and Interpreting Immich Logs

One of the most crucial steps in troubleshooting any software problem is to find and examine the logs. The logs are your digital detectives, providing valuable clues about what went wrong. Immich, like any well-behaved application, generates logs that record events, errors, and warnings. These logs are a goldmine of information, and they're often the key to understanding the root cause of the "Execution error".

So, where do you find these logs on your Unraid server? The location of the logs can vary depending on how you've set up your Immich container, but there are a few places to start your search. Here's a breakdown:

  • Docker Container Logs: The most immediate place to check is the logs for your Immich container itself. In Unraid, navigate to the Docker tab, find your Immich container, and click on its icon. You should see a "Logs" button or a similar option. Click this to view the container's logs in real-time. Look for any error messages, warnings, or unexpected behavior that occurred during startup.
  • PostgreSQL Logs: Since you mentioned that your PostgreSQL database container (postgresql_immich) seems to be running fine, it's still worth checking its logs as well. These logs can provide insights into database-related issues that might be preventing Immich from connecting or functioning correctly. You can access the PostgreSQL container logs in a similar way as the Immich container logs, through the Docker tab in Unraid.
  • Immich Configuration Files: You will need to check your Immich configuration files, specifically the .env files that contain sensitive information such as the database URL, passwords, and other crucial settings. Check them to see if the configuration is correct and that the database is set up correctly. Incorrect configurations can be one of the reasons that trigger the server error.

Analyzing the Logs

Once you've found the logs, the real work begins: interpreting them. Here are some key things to look for:

  • Error Messages: These are the most obvious indicators of problems. Pay close attention to any lines that contain the word "error," "failed," or similar terms.
  • Timestamps: Check the timestamps to see when the errors occurred in relation to your attempts to start Immich. This helps you correlate the errors with your actions.
  • File Paths: Sometimes, the logs will include file paths. These can tell you which files are involved in the error. This helps to pinpoint the precise area where the problem is occurring.
  • Dependency Issues: Pay attention to any messages related to dependencies, such as database connections, object storage, or other services that Immich relies on. If a dependency isn't available or is misconfigured, it can cause the "Execution error."
  • Database connection failures: Check if Immich can successfully connect to the PostgreSQL database. If there are any connection failures, inspect your database settings in the .env file.

By carefully examining the logs, you'll start to build a picture of what's going wrong. This information is critical for identifying the root cause of the error and finding a solution. Don't be afraid to dig deep and try different things. It can take time, but the logs will get you there.

Debugging Immich Startup Issues

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of debugging the Immich startup. After looking at the logs, you should have a clearer idea of what's going wrong. Here are some of the most common causes of the "Execution error Server error" and how to address them:

  • Database Connection Problems: The most common culprit is a problem connecting to the PostgreSQL database. Make sure your database container is running and accessible from the Immich container. Double-check the database connection settings in your Immich configuration (typically in an .env file). The settings must include the correct database host (usually the IP address or hostname of the PostgreSQL container), port (usually 5432), username, password, and database name.
  • Object Storage Issues: Immich relies on object storage (like MinIO, AWS S3, etc.) for storing your photos and videos. If your object storage isn't properly configured or accessible, Immich may fail to start. Ensure the object storage service is running and configured correctly in the Immich settings. Verify the access keys, secret keys, and bucket names.
  • Permissions Problems: Sometimes, the Immich container may not have the necessary permissions to access files or directories on your Unraid server. Check the permissions of the directories where Immich stores its data, such as your photos and videos. Ensure the user ID and group ID within the Immich container have read and write access to these directories. In the Unraid Docker settings for the Immich container, you can often specify the user ID and group ID. You might need to experiment with different settings to find the right ones.
  • Port Conflicts: Make sure that the ports used by Immich (typically port 2283 and other related ports) are not already in use by another application on your Unraid server. If there's a port conflict, Immich won't be able to bind to the port and will fail to start. You can check which ports are in use using the netstat command in the Unraid terminal or the docker ps command.
  • Incorrect Environment Variables: Immich uses environment variables to configure its settings. If any of these environment variables are incorrect or missing, Immich may have problems. Double-check all of the environment variables in your Immich configuration, paying close attention to things like the database URL, the object storage settings, and the server's external address.
  • Docker Networking Problems: Docker networking can sometimes cause issues. Make sure your Docker network is configured correctly and that the Immich container can communicate with other containers (like the PostgreSQL container) and with your Unraid host. Check the Docker network settings in the Unraid Docker settings.

Step-by-Step Debugging Guide

Here’s a structured approach to debugging Immich startup issues:

  1. Check Container Status: Make sure all related containers (PostgreSQL, Immich) are running and haven't crashed. Check their logs immediately.
  2. Examine Container Logs: As mentioned earlier, carefully review the logs for the Immich container and the PostgreSQL container. Look for error messages, warnings, or any clues about what went wrong.
  3. Verify Database Connection: Confirm that the Immich container can connect to your PostgreSQL database. Check the database connection settings in your .env file. Try manually connecting to the database from the Immich container using a tool like psql (if you have it installed).
  4. Test Object Storage: Verify that Immich can connect to your object storage (e.g., MinIO, AWS S3). Check the configuration in your .env file, and test the connection by uploading a small test file.
  5. Check Permissions: Double-check the permissions of the directories where Immich stores its data. Ensure the container has read and write access. This may mean verifying the PUID and PGID configurations.
  6. Review Configuration Files: Make sure all of your configuration files are correct, including the .env file and any other configuration files that Immich uses. Check the environment variables and ensure there are no typos or errors.
  7. Restart the Container: After making any changes, restart the Immich container to see if the changes have resolved the issue. Try restarting both the Immich and PostgreSQL containers, or even restarting your Unraid server to ensure everything reloads correctly.
  8. Consult the Immich Documentation and Community: If you're still stuck, check the official Immich documentation and the Immich community forums. There are lots of people who have encountered similar issues, and there's a good chance someone has already found a solution. The documentation is really helpful. Search for common errors to see if there is a solution.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, it's time to dig a little deeper. Here are a few advanced techniques:

  • Shell into the Container: Use the Unraid terminal to shell into your Immich container. This gives you direct access to the container's environment, allowing you to run commands and inspect the file system. Use the Docker exec command. For example, docker exec -it <immich_container_id> /bin/bash. This can be really helpful for checking network connectivity, verifying file permissions, and testing database connections.
  • Check Docker Networking: Sometimes, Docker networking can be the culprit. Make sure your containers are on the same Docker network and that they can communicate with each other. You can create a custom Docker network and assign your containers to it.
  • Recreate the Container: As a last resort, consider recreating the Immich container from scratch. This can help resolve configuration issues and ensure that all dependencies are correctly installed. Be sure to back up your data before recreating the container!
  • Check Disk Space: Make sure your disks have sufficient free space to store all the data. In the Unraid web interface, check your disk usage to see if you have adequate space available.
  • Object Storage Considerations: If you are using object storage, ensure that your object storage service is running and accessible from the Immich container. Check the network configuration. Ensure that there are no firewalls preventing communication.

Preventing Future Issues

Once you’ve solved the "Execution error," it's a good idea to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips:

  • Regular Backups: Back up your Immich data regularly. This includes your photos, videos, and the Immich database. Consider using a backup tool like Duplicati or Unraid's built-in backup features.
  • Monitor Resources: Monitor your Unraid server's resources, such as CPU usage, memory usage, and disk space. This can help you identify potential bottlenecks and prevent problems before they occur.
  • Update Regularly: Keep Immich and all related software up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Make sure to back up your system before updating.
  • Read the Documentation: Always consult the official Immich documentation for the latest installation instructions, configuration tips, and troubleshooting advice.
  • Join the Community: Participate in the Immich community forums and discussions. You can learn from others and get help when you need it.

Conclusion: Getting Immich Back on Track

Facing an "Execution error Server error" in Immich can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach and the right tools, you can usually identify and resolve the issue. By carefully examining the logs, verifying your configuration, and troubleshooting the common causes, you can get Immich back up and running. Remember to back up your data, keep everything updated, and consult the Immich documentation and community for support. Good luck, and happy photo managing!