> ## 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. # Project Zomboid Server Not Starting? Causes and Fixes > Project Zomboid server not starting? The usual causes: no space left from start backups, too little memory for Build 42, a wrong map name or a broken mod. If your Project Zomboid server is not starting, check four things in this order: a **No space left on device** error from backups on start, a plan with too little memory for Build 42, a wrong name in **Map**, and a broken or Build 41 mod. Read the last lines of the **Console** or open **Logs** to see which one it is, then use the fix below. | Symptom in the console | Likely cause | Fix | | - | - | - | | "No space left on device" | **Backup when the server starts** filled the temporary space | Turn it off in **Game settings** | | Server stops during loading, no clear error | Too little memory for the world, players or mods | Remove recent mods, or upgrade to a plan with more memory | | Stops after you changed **Map** | Wrong map name | Put back `Muldraugh, KY` | | Stops after you added a mod | Broken or Build 41 mod | Remove the last mods you added | ## How to find the error **1. Watch the console** Click **Start** and watch the **Console**. The last lines before it stops usually name the problem. **2. Open the game's logs** Project Zomboid writes its own logs to `.cache/Logs`. Open that folder in **Files** and open the newest log to read the full error. ## Fix 1: No space left on device **Backup when the server starts** copies and zips the save into a small temporary folder every start. After a few days the server stops starting with "No space left on device". **1. Turn off the start backup** Open **Game settings**. In the warning **Backups on start can fill the temporary space**, click **Turn it off**, or switch off **Backup when the server starts** in the **Backups** section. **2. Save and start** Click **Review and save**, save and start the server. **3. Use panel backups instead** Set daily backups on **Automatic backups**. See [automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md). If it still says "No space left on device", [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php). ## Fix 2: Out of memory during start-up The server sets Java's maximum memory (`-Xmx` in `ProjectZomboid64.json`) from your plan's memory at every start, so you don't need to edit it, and a value you edit is overwritten. In our tests, a 2 GB plan (1024 MB for Java) did not finish starting Build 42, so we recommend at least 4 GB for Build 42. If the server stops while it loads the world, remove mods you added recently, or [upgrade your service](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea) to a plan with more memory and restart. See [RAM allocation](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/optimizing-ram-allocation.md) for how much Java gets on each plan. ## Fix 3: Wrong map name A wrong map name stops the server from starting. Open **Game settings** > **Mods and map**, set **Map** back to `Muldraugh, KY`, save and start. Map mods add their name before `Muldraugh, KY`, spelled exactly as on the mod page. ## Fix 4: A broken mod **1. Remove the last mods you added** In **Game settings** > **Mods and map**, remove the mod ids and Workshop items you added last. **2. Start the server** If it starts, add the mods back one at a time to find the broken one. **3. Check the build** Make sure each mod supports Build 42. See [Workshop mod errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-workshop-mod-errors.md). ## Still not starting? Restore a backup from before the problem: open **Backups**, click **Restore** and confirm. If you need help, click **Share log** in the **Console**, create a link and [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) with it. Passwords, keys and IP addresses are removed from shared logs automatically. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why does Game settings say the settings file doesn't exist? The server hasn't finished a first start yet. Start it once so it creates its settings files, then come back. ### My server starts but nobody can join. Is that the same problem? No. Check the address, the server password and that players run Build 42. See [getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/getting-started-with-your-project-zomboid-server.md). ### I changed Server Name and my world is gone. What happened? **Server Name** is the internal name of the save and config files. A new name starts a new world with new settings. Change it back to the old name and restart to get your world back. ## Related guides > **[Project Zomboid guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Project Zomboid page in one place. > **[RAM allocation](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/optimizing-ram-allocation.md)** > > How much memory Java gets. > **[Workshop mod errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-workshop-mod-errors.md)** > > Mod mismatches and broken mods. > **[Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)** > > Find the error in your logs. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (Project Zomboid Build 42 on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its mods change. > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.