> ## 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.

# ATS Server Won't Start or server_config.sii Settings Reset

> ATS server won't start or settings reset? Check server_packages files, read server.log.txt, and set lobby name, ports and token on Startup, not in the file.

If your American Truck Simulator server won't start, check that `server_packages.sii` and `server_packages.dat` are both in `.local/share/American Truck Simulator` (the server won't start without them) and read `server.log.txt` and `server.crash.txt` in the same folder. If settings reset, you edited a key the panel writes on every start: change the lobby name and Steam token on **Startup** instead.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on |
| - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING ATS server |

## Why won't my ATS server start?

| Cause | How to spot it | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| Missing or half-uploaded server packages | One of `server_packages.sii` / `server_packages.dat` is missing or 0 bytes | Upload both files again, exported together. See [export server packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ats.md). |
| Packages exported from an older game version | The problem started after a game update | Update your game, export again and upload both files. |
| A typo in `server_config.sii` | The problem started after you edited the file | Check quotes and colons in the lines you changed, or restore a backup. |
| First start still downloading | The console shows the SteamCMD update | Wait for `[MP] Session running.` |

## How to read the server log

**1. Open the folder**

Open **Files** > `.local` > `share` > `American Truck Simulator`.

**2. Open the logs**

Open `server.log.txt`. If the server crashed, also look for `server.crash.txt`.

**3. Read the last lines**

The newest lines at the end usually name the file or setting that failed.

You can also read the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) or [server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md) in the panel.

## Why do my server\_config.sii changes reset?

The panel writes four keys into `server_config.sii` every time the server starts:

| Key | Set it here instead |
| - | - |
| `lobby_name` | **Lobby name** on **Startup** |
| `server_logon_token` | **Steam Auth token** on **Startup** |
| `connection_dedicated_port` | Set by your server's allocation |
| `query_dedicated_port` | **Query port** on **Startup** (read only) |

Every other key, such as `password`, `max_players`, `description`, `welcome_message`, `moderator_list` and the gameplay settings, stays as you saved it. We tested this on 30 October 2026.

Also stop the server before you edit the file. Changes apply on the next start.

## How to undo a bad change

Restore a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md), or fix the line by hand. The defaults of a new server are listed in [server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-config-sii-explained.md), so you can compare your file line by line.

## Frequently asked questions

### My Startup change didn't apply. Why?

Startup fields save when you click outside them, and they apply on the next start. Restart the server after changing them.

### Can I delete server\_packages to go back to the base map?

No. Without the server packages the server won't start. Upload packages exported from a profile without mods instead, or restore a backup.

### What does "Steam disconnected" mean?

SCS documents that the server closes when it loses its connection to Steam. Start it again; if it keeps happening, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## Related guides

> **[ATS server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/american-truck-simulator-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every ATS page in one place.

> **[server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-config-sii-explained.md)**
>
> Every setting and its limit.

> **[Export server packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ats.md)**
>
> Make new package files.

> **[Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/american-truck-simulator/ats-server-not-showing-in-convoy-list.md)**
>
> Running but can't be found.

> **[Backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md)**
>
> Undo a bad change.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (American Truck Simulator dedicated server 1.61s) and checked against the official [SCS dedicated server documentation](https://modding.scssoft.com/wiki/Documentation/Tools/Dedicated_Server). 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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