Dedicated Server Crash on Startup
Tags: crash, startup, server, troubleshooting
Startup crashes are usually caused by invalid configs, outdated mods, or missing dependencies. Use this recovery checklist to get the server booting again.
Fast recovery checklist
- Move the entire
Mods folder out and try a vanilla start.
- Verify game files from SteamCMD or Steam.
- Restore a known-good
serverconfig.xml backup.
- Check file permissions on the save and config directories.
Common causes
- XML typos or invalid property names.
- Outdated Harmony or mod DLLs after a patch.
- Anti-virus or security tools blocking the executable.
Check logs
Windows: %APPDATA%\7DaysToDie\output_log.txt
Linux: ~/.local/share/7DaysToDie/output_log.txt
After it starts
- Reintroduce mods one at a time while monitoring logs.
- Take a backup before applying additional changes.
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