> ## 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.

# SA-MP Server Not Starting? Common Errors and Fixes

> SA-MP server not starting or plugins failing? Fixes for cannot open shared object file, Run time error 19, crashes on startup, Packet was modified and more.

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.

| Where to look | What it shows |
| - | - |
| **Console** | Live output while the server starts and runs |
| `server_log.txt` | The same output, saved in the main folder |
| **Logs** page | Search and filter the log files |

## How to find the error

**1. Start the server and watch the console**

Start the server and read the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md) 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

## Plugin errors

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

```text theme={null}
Loading plugin: sscanf
  Failed (plugins/sscanf: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory)
```

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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-install-samp-plugins-and-filterscripts.md).

### Run time error 19: "File or function is not found"

```text theme={null}
Error: Function not registered: 'fileOpen'
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

| Cause | Fix |
| - | - |
| `weather` or `gravity` in `server.cfg` | Remove the line. The official documentation says both crash the server on startup. Set them in your script or with RCON. |
| The gamemode file isn't found | The name in `gamemode0` must match the `.amx` file in `gamemodes`, without `.amx`. See [install a gamemode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-install-a-samp-gamemode.md). |
| RCON password is `changeme` | The server won't start with this password. Set another **Rcon password** on **Startup** and restart. |
| A plugin or script crashes | Remove the newest plugin or filterscript and test again. The crashdetect plugin gives more detail about script crashes. |

## Errors that players cause

| Message | Meaning |
| - | - |
| `Packet was modified, sent by id: <id>, ip: <ip>:<port>` | The player timed out or has connection problems. |
| `Warning: client exceeded 'messageslimit'` | A player sent more messages per second than `messageslimit` allows (default 500). |
| `Warning: client exceeded 'ackslimit'` | A player went over `ackslimit` (default 3000). |
| `Warning: client exceeded 'messageholelimit'` | A player went over `messageholelimit` (default 3000). |

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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-not-showing-in-list.md).

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [SA-MP server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every SA-MP page in one place.

> [card] [Plugins and filterscripts](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-install-samp-plugins-and-filterscripts.md)
>
> Install Linux plugins correctly.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/samp-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every setting and its default.

> [card] [Install a gamemode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/samp/how-to-install-a-samp-gamemode.md)
>
> The gamemode0 line.

> [card] [Server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)
>
> Search and filter logs.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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](https://open.mp/docs/server/CommonServerIssues)** and [server.cfg documentation](https://open.mp/docs/server/server.cfg) on 3 November 2026.

> [!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


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