Skip to main content
Most SA-MP server errors show in the console or in server_log.txt while the server starts. On a FREAKHOSTING SA-MP server the usual causes are a plugin line without .so, a Windows plugin instead of a Linux one, a gamemode name that doesn’t match its .amx file, or weather or gravity in server.cfg. Read the last lines of the log, fix the line it names and restart.

​
How to find the error

1

Start the server and watch the console

Start the server and read the console. A healthy start lists the plugins and filterscripts and then the gamemode.
2

Read the end of the log

If the server stops, open server_log.txt in Files or on the Logs page. The reason is usually near the bottom.
3

Fix and restart

Fix the line in server.cfg or the file it names, then restart.

​
Plugin errors

​
Failed (plugins/name: cannot open shared object file)

The server can’t find the file. On Linux the plugins line needs the .so extension: write plugins sscanf.so, not plugins sscanf. Also check that the file is in the plugins folder and that the name matches exactly, including upper and lower case.

​
The plugin is a .dll file

.dll plugins are for Windows. Your server runs on Linux and needs the .so build of the plugin. See plugins and filterscripts.

​
Run time error 19: “File or function is not found”

The script calls a function (a native) that no loaded plugin provides. Look higher up in the log for the plugin that Failed, fix it as above, and check the plugin version matches the include your script was compiled with.

​
The server stops right after starting

​
Errors that players cause

If honest players are kicked by these limits, raise the value in server.cfg, for example messageslimit 1000, and restart.

​
”Unacceptable NickName” when joining

The name may use only 0-9, a-z, [], (), $, @, ., _ and =, with at most 20 characters. It also appears when a player with the same name is still connected, for example after a timeout. Wait a moment and reconnect.

​
Startup page errors

If you clear Rcon password on Startup, the panel shows Unable to update startup variable and The value field is required. and keeps the old password. Enter a new password instead of leaving it empty.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
How do I send my log to support?

On the Console page, click Share log to create a link with passwords, keys and IP addresses removed, then open a ticket and paste it.

​
Why does my server show Online but nobody can join?

Check that players use the full address with the port and the open.mp launcher. See not showing in the list.

​
How do I undo a server.cfg change that broke the server?

Open server.cfg, click History and restore an earlier version, or restore a backup.

SA-MP server guide

Every SA-MP page in one place.

Plugins and filterscripts

Install Linux plugins correctly.

server.cfg explained

Every setting and its default.

Install a gamemode

The gamemode0 line.

Server logs

Search and filter logs.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (SA-MP 0.3.7-R2 Linux server). Error messages checked against the official open.mp server issues documentation and server.cfg documentation on 3 November 2026.

​
Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: November 2026