Server Not Starting Print

If your DayZ server fails to start or stops immediately after launch, this guide will help you identify and resolve the issue using the FinnishHost Game Panel.

Step 1: Check the Web Console

After clicking Start, open the Web Console right away. Look for red text or error messages such as:

Server init failed
Cannot open file 'serverDZ.cfg'
Addon requires key not found
Missing addons detected

These indicate missing files, invalid mods, or configuration problems.

Step 2: Verify Configuration File

Go to Configuration Files → serverDZ.cfg and check for missing or broken entries. A minimal working config should look like this:

hostname = "My FinnishHost DayZ Server";
password = "";
passwordAdmin = "StrongAdminPass";
maxPlayers = 40;
verifySignatures = 2;
forceSameBuild = 1;

Ensure all quotation marks " " are properly closed and there are no missing semicolons ; at the end of lines.

Step 3: Validate Command Line Parameters

Open Commandline / Startup Parameters and confirm your startup line is complete:

-config=serverDZ.cfg -port=2302 -profiles=Profiles -dologs -adminlog -netlog

If -config points to the wrong file or directory, the server won’t launch.

Step 4: Check for Mod or Key Issues

If you’re using mods, a missing or invalid key file is a common cause of startup failure. Check the Web Console for lines like:

Signature check failed for mod XYZ

To fix this:

1. Open the mod’s folder in File Manager.
2. Copy all .bikey files from the mod’s Keys folder to your main /keys directory.
3. Restart the server.

Step 5: Test Without Mods

Remove all mods temporarily to isolate the problem:

1. Open Commandline / Startup Parameters.
2. Remove everything after -mod=.
3. Save and start the server again.

If the server starts successfully, add mods back one at a time to find the cause.

Step 6: Validate Game Files

Click Update Server Files in your FinnishHost panel. This re-downloads any missing or corrupted DayZ server files via SteamCMD.

Step 7: Check for Incorrect File Paths

Ensure the serverDZ.cfg and battleye folders are in the correct directory:

DayZServer/

If these were moved, the startup command can’t locate them and will fail.

Step 8: Reinstall (Last Resort)

If all else fails, use the Reinstall option in your control panel. This refreshes all core files and returns the server to a clean state without mods.

Notes

We provide support for startup, configuration, and hosting-related issues only. We don’t provide support for mod bugs, missing workshop items, or scripting errors. Always back up your configuration and world files before reinstalling.