> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 7 Days to Die Server Not Starting: Read the Log and Fix It

> 7 Days to Die server not starting? Read logs/latest.log, check the World name, serverconfig.xml and new mods, and learn which start-up errors are harmless.

If your 7 Days to Die server won't start, open `logs/latest.log` (on the **Logs** page or in **Files**), because the panel console only shows output once the game's telnet console is up. The most common causes are a **World** name that doesn't exist, a broken line in `serverconfig.xml` and a mod made for another game version. A working server ends its start-up with `INF StartGame done`.

## Quick checks

| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| Console says `Waiting for telnet connection...` for a long time | The game is still loading or has stopped | Read `logs/latest.log` |
| Stops right after you changed **World** | World name doesn't exist | Fix the name, or set `Navezgane` |
| Stops after you edited `serverconfig.xml` by hand | Broken XML line | Restore `serverconfig.xml.bak` |
| Stops after you added a mod | Mod doesn't match the game version | Remove the mod from `Mods` |
| Console empty, panel console broken | **Telnet Port** was changed | Set it back to the server's telnet port |
| Players can't join after an update | Version mismatch | See [update and versions](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/how-to-update-your-7-days-to-die-server.md) |

## How to read the start-up log

**1. Open the log**

Open **Logs** in the panel ([how to read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)), or open `logs/latest.log` in [Files](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**2. Go to the end**

The last lines show where the start stopped. Look for lines with `ERR` or `EXC` near the end.

**3. Match the error**

A world name, a file name or a mod name in the error tells you what to fix. Use the table above.

## Start-up lines you can ignore

These appear on normal starts and don't stop the server:

| Line | Why it appears |
| - | - |
| `ERR IOException in TelnetClient_… The socket has been shut down` | The panel's first check of the telnet port |
| Warnings about texture sizes | Normal for a server without graphics |
| EOS cache warnings | Normal on start |
| `[Web] Webserver not started, WebDashboardEnabled set to false` | The web dashboard is off by default |

The server is ready after `INF StartGame done` and `INF [Steamworks.NET] GameServer.LogOn successful`.

## How to fix a wrong World name

**1. Check the name**

On **Game settings** > **World and save**, check **World**. Use `Navezgane`, `RWG`, or the exact folder name of a world you uploaded.

**2. Check the folder**

For an uploaded world, make sure its folder is in `.local/share/7DaysToDie/GeneratedWorlds/` with the same spelling and capital letters.

**3. Save and start**

Click **Review and save** and start the server.

## How to undo a broken config

Each save on **Game settings** keeps the previous file as `serverconfig.xml.bak`. In **Files**, rename the broken `serverconfig.xml` (for example to `serverconfig.broken.xml`), rename `serverconfig.xml.bak` to `serverconfig.xml` and start the server. You can also restore a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does the console stay empty after I press Start?

The panel console connects to the game's telnet console after the game has booted, which takes around half a minute. Until then, the start-up output is only in `logs/latest.log`.

### Is the IOException error at start a problem?

No. `IOException in TelnetClient_…` comes from the panel checking the telnet port and appears on every start.

### My server starts but my world is empty. What happened?

**Save name** or **World** was changed, so the server started a new save. Set the old names back and restart; the old save is still on disk.

### What should I send to support?

The end of `logs/latest.log` and what you changed before the problem. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## Related guides

> [card] [7 Days to Die server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/7-days-to-die-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every 7 Days to Die page in one place.

> [card] [serverconfig.xml and Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/configuring-serverconfigxml-for-7d2d.md)
>
> Edit settings safely.

> [card] [Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/how-to-install-mods-on-7-days-to-die.md)
>
> Mods that match your version.

> [card] [Custom maps](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/7-days-to-die/using-custom-maps-kinggen.md)
>
> World names and folders.

> [card] [Server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)
>
> Read logs in the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (7 Days to Die V3.4.0 b9). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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