> ## 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.

# ETS2 Server Won't Start or Settings Reset: Fixes

> ETS2 dedicated server not starting or server_config.sii resetting? Read server.log.txt, fix server_packages, and change lobby name and max players on Startup.

If your Euro Truck Simulator 2 server won't start, open `server.log.txt` (and `server.crash.txt` after a crash) in `.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2` in **Files**. The most common cause is a missing or broken `server_packages` file. If settings change back after a restart, you edited a key the panel writes from **Startup** (`lobby_name`, `max_players`, ports, `server_logon_token`); change those on **Startup** instead.

## Server won't start

| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| "Server packages file not found" in the log | `server_packages.sii` or `.dat` is missing or renamed | Upload both files from one export, or restore a backup |
| Stops after you uploaded new packages | Only one file uploaded, or files from different exports | Upload `server_packages.sii` and `server_packages.dat` from the same export |
| Stops after you edited `server_config.sii` | A typo, missing quote or bracket | Undo the change or restore a backup |
| First start takes a long time | SteamCMD is downloading the server | Wait for `[MP] Session running.` |
| Session closes on its own | Steam connection lost (SCS lists this as reason 33) | Start the server again |

## How to find the error

**1. Watch the console**

[Start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) and watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). A healthy start ends with `[MP] Session running.`.

**2. Open the log**

In **Files**, open `.local` > `share` > `Euro Truck Simulator 2` and open `server.log.txt`. Read the last lines. After a crash, also open `server.crash.txt` if it exists. See [server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

**3. Undo the last change**

Most failures follow a change. Put back the previous `server_packages` or `server_config.sii`, or [restore a backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

**4. Still stuck?**

[Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and include the last lines of `server.log.txt`.

## Settings change back after a restart

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

| Key in the file | Change it on **Startup** |
| - | - |
| `lobby_name` | **Lobby name** |
| `max_players` | **Max Players** (8 or lower) |
| `server_logon_token` | **Steam Auth token** |
| `connection_dedicated_port`, `query_dedicated_port` | Set by the panel; **Query port** is read only |

Every other key (`password`, `description`, `welcome_message`, `moderator_list`, `traffic` and the rest) stays as you saved it.

### Max players goes back to 8

That's the game's limit. SCS caps a dedicated server at 8 players, so a higher **Max Players** value is reset to 8 at start. See [max players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/increasing-convoy-max-players.md).

### My Startup change did nothing

Startup values apply at the next start. Click out of the field so it saves, then restart.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where are the ETS2 server logs?

`server.log.txt` in `.local/share/Euro Truck Simulator 2`, plus the panel's **Console** and [logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

### Can I reinstall the ETS2 server?

Yes, from **Settings**. Back up `server_config.sii` and your `server_packages` files first. See [settings and reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-server-settings-and-reinstall.md).

### Should I turn off Auto update?

Keep it on. It keeps the server on the current game version so players can join.

## Related guides

> **[ETS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/euro-truck-simulator-2-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every ETS2 page in one place.

> **[server\_config.sii explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-server-config-sii-explained.md)**
>
> Every setting and default.

> **[Export server packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/how-to-export-server-packages-for-ets2.md)**
>
> Correct packages files.

> **[Not showing in the Convoy list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/euro-truck-simulator-2/ets2-server-not-showing-in-convoy-list.md)**
>
> Find your session.

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

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Euro Truck Simulator 2 dedicated server 1.61s), and checked against SCS Software's [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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