> ## 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. # RedM Server Not Starting: "Does Not Have a License Key Specified" > Fix a RedM server that stops at start with "This server does not have a license key specified": paste a Cfx.re key into Startup, plus other start checks. If your RedM server stops seconds after it starts and the console says "This server does not have a license key specified", the licence key is missing or still the placeholder. Get a free key from [portal.cfx.re](https://portal.cfx.re/servers/registration-keys), paste it into **Keymaster RedM License Key** in **Startup** and start the server again. The same error also triggers the panel's crash messages. | Difficulty | Time | Panel page | Most common cause | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 minutes | **Startup** | No licence key | ## What the licence key error looks like On a new server without a key, the console shows the resources being scanned and then: ```text theme={null} This server does not have a license key specified. Please set the sv_licenseKey console variable to a key from https://portal.cfx.re/servers/registration-keys. (for example, `set sv_licenseKey "key"` in the config, or `+set sv_licenseKey key` on the command line) ``` The server then stops. The panel adds "Detected server process in a crashed state!", "Exit code: 143" and "Aborting automatic restart, last crash occurred less than 60 seconds ago.", and the server shows as offline. "Out of memory: false" tells you memory is not the problem. ## How to fix the licence key error **1. Get a key** Sign in at [portal.cfx.re](https://portal.cfx.re), register a server and copy its key. See [how to get a RedM licence key](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/how-to-get-a-redm-license-key.md). **2. Paste it in Startup** Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Startup** and replace the placeholder in **Keymaster RedM License Key**. Click outside the field to save. **3. Start the server** Click **Console**, then **Start**. The error should be gone. > [!NOTE] > > The error suggests `set sv_licenseKey` in the config. On FREAKHOSTING, use **Startup**: the panel writes the key into `server.cfg` at every start and replaces a line you add by hand. ## Other reasons a RedM server doesn't start | What you see | Cause | Fix | | - | - | - | | Licence error although you pasted a key | Key copied with a space, or deleted on the Portal | Copy the key again from the Portal and paste it into **Startup**. | | "Please open txAdmin on the browser to configure your server." | **Enable txadmin** is `1` and txAdmin is not set up yet | This is not a crash. Click **Open txAdmin** and finish the setup with the PIN, or set **Enable txadmin** back to `0`. See [txAdmin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/how-to-set-up-txadmin-on-redm.md). | | "Couldn't find resource" | An `ensure` line names a folder that doesn't exist | Fix the name or remove the line. See [install resources](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/how-to-install-resources-on-your-redm-server.md). | | Errors from a script, then a stop | A resource fails to load | Read the first error in the **Console**, stop that resource on **Resources** and restart. | | oxmysql can't connect | Wrong or old connection string | See [database setup](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/database-setup-mariadb.md). | | Server stopped after changing artifacts | A resource needs a different FXServer build | Change back on **Artifacts**. See [update artifacts](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/how-to-update-your-redm-server-artifacts.md). | ## How to read the console after a crash 1. Click **Console** and scroll up to the first red or error line before "Terminated" or the crash message. 2. Note the resource name in square brackets at the start of the line, if there is one. 3. Fix or stop that resource, then start again. The panel doesn't restart the server on its own when the last crash was less than 60 seconds ago, so start it yourself once you have fixed the cause. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does exit code 143 mean on RedM? The server process was terminated. With the licence key error, FXServer stops itself because it has no valid key. Fix the key and the code goes away. ### Is my RedM server out of memory? Not if the crash message says "Out of memory: false". Look for the first error in the console instead. ### Why does my server stay online but nobody can join? If txAdmin is on and not set up, only txAdmin runs; the game server waits. Finish the txAdmin setup or turn it off. ### Can support fix the licence key for me? The key belongs to your Cfx.re account, so you create it. If the error stays after you paste a new key, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and we'll check the server with you. ## Related guides > [card] [RedM server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/redm-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every RedM guide in one place. > [card] [Licence key](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/how-to-get-a-redm-license-key.md) > > Get it from the Cfx.re Portal. > [card] [Set up txAdmin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/redm/how-to-set-up-txadmin-on-redm.md) > > Finish the setup with the PIN. > [card] [Use the console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) > > Read errors and send commands. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (RedM, FXServer build 38055 with txAdmin 8.1.2). 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:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.