Adding media files to VLC library on home network

[Riderintherain]

I'm using vlc on an Android box attached to my home network.

When I connected an external hard drive containing my music files to the network, vlc recognized the drive immediately (through the local network tab) and I can play the files directly without any problem.

However, when I tried to add the music files on the same drive to vlc's media library, vlc indicated that it could not find any media files on the drive.

How is it possible that vlc can play the files on the one hand, and not be able to find them on the other? Perhaps there are built-in restrictions in vlc regarding adding files to the library on a network?

Any help is most appreciated.

[Hobbit112]

I encounter the exact same thing. Most folders are added no problem but a couple are not added. Thought it was the file format or extension (FLAC) but not that.

[Riderintherain]

I am almost certain now that this is a vlc issue, not an issue with SMB, Windows, or disk drives.

I've tried with multiple drives from different brands (Seagate, WD, etc.) onto which I've copied FLAC files. Once connected to my home network via my PC and router, they show up in vlc as expected, and I can play the files with no problem. Yet, when I tried to add the same files to vlc's media library, vlc indicated that it cannot find any media files on any of the drives. This just does not make any sense.

May be vlc has a requirement that, to add files to its media library, the files must come from a locally attached drive rather than a network drive? If true, it would be a limitation that should be rectified by vlc.

[alcatraz]

I have the same problem on multiple devices. I spent a long time changing the settings of my shares but no go. Other apps work fine at opening them.

It's not all shares that exhibit the problem. Just one. It's a big one. Basically 5TB and millions of files. I thought maybe it's too big or something.

It used to work in VLC up until about 3-6 months ago. I bet that if I revert to an older version of VLC it'll work again.

[Riderintherain]

To add media files to VLC's library on a home network, follow these general steps. VLC offers various ways to do this, and the specific steps can vary slightly depending on your operating system and VLC version:

Ensure All Devices Are on the Same Network:
Make sure that the computer running VLC and the devices with your media files (e.g., another computer, NAS, or external hard drive) are connected to the same local network.

Enable Media Sharing on the Source Device (Optional):
If your media files are on another computer or device, you may need to enable media sharing or file sharing on that device. This allows VLC to access the files over the network. Check the settings on the source device to enable sharing.

Launch VLC Media Player:
Open VLC on the computer where you want to access and organize your media library.

Open the Media Library:
In VLC, select "View" in the top menu and select "Media Library."

Add Files to the Library:
To add media files to the library, you can do one of the following:

Drag and Drop: Drag and drop the media files or the folder containing the media files into the VLC Media Library window.
Media > Open Multiple Files: Go to "Media" in the top menu and select "Open Multiple Files." Click the "Add" button to select files or folders to add to the library.
Scan for Media Files:
VLC will automatically scan and add the media files to its library. This may take some time, especially with an extensive media collection.

Access the Media in VLC Library:
You can now access and organize your media files within VLC's library. The files should be categorized by type (audio, video, etc.).

Use VLC on Other Devices (Optional):
If you want to access your media library from other devices on the same network, you can use the UPnP/DLNA feature of VLC. You can select your media library from other devices that support UPnP/DLNA streaming.

Please note that the availability and ease of setting up the media library may vary based on your specific setup and the version of VLC you are using. Ensure your media files are correctly shared on the network to access them through VLC.

Thank you for your reply. However, your response has nothing to do with the problem I described in my OP.

To repeat, I'm using vlc in an Android box connected to my home network. I'm able to play all my music files stored on my network-connected drives without problems. So this indicates that all drives and files are properly shared.

When I tried to add the same music files on the same drives to vlc's media library, vlc says it cannot find them. So vlc is saying 2 contradictory things: it can play the files, but the files don't exist. What gives?

The only explanation I can think of is that perhaps vlc only allows additions to its media library from locally-attached drives. Can you confirm this restriction? Otherwise, the problem I am experiencing is truly bizzare.