Managing Server Logs and Troubleshooting Issues

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to manage server logs and troubleshoot issues using the VolticHost Game Panel. Server logs provide crucial information about server performance, errors, and player activities, helping you diagnose crashes, lag, and other technical problems. This guide will walk you through accessing logs, identifying errors, and applying fixes to keep your server running smoothly. 🚀

📌 Prerequisites

• A PixArk server purchased at VolticHost.com

• Access to the VolticHost Game Panel with administrative privileges

• Basic knowledge of reading and interpreting server logs

• Familiarity with common server issues and error messages

1️⃣ First Step - Accessing Server Logs in the VolticHost Game Panel

1. Log in to the VolticHost Game Panel:

   • Open your web browser and navigate to VolticHost Game Panel.

   • Enter your credentials to access the dashboard.

2. Navigate to the Console or Logs Section:

   • Click on the Console tab to view real-time logs.

   • Alternatively, go to the File Manager and look for a folder named /logs/ to access stored log files.

3. Locate the Relevant Log Files:

   • Depending on your server type, you may find logs such as:

     • server.log (general server logs)

     • error.log (crash reports or critical errors)

     • connections.log (player join/leave records)

     • performance.log (CPU, memory, and network usage)

4. Download or Open Logs for Analysis:

   • Use the built-in text editor in the panel to open log files.

   • If necessary, download the logs to your local machine for deeper inspection.

✅ Server logs accessed successfully!

2️⃣ Next Step - Identifying Common Server Issues

1. Check for Critical Errors:

   • Look for log entries with tags like [ERROR], [FATAL], or [WARNING], which often indicate server crashes or major problems.

2. Analyze Recurring Issues:

   • If you notice the same error appearing multiple times, it may indicate a persistent issue such as:

     • Mod/Plugin Conflict: Errors related to missing dependencies or broken mods.

     • Memory Overload: Logs showing high RAM usage before a crash.

     • Connection Issues: Players repeatedly disconnecting due to server lag or network failures.

3. Review Performance Logs:

   • High CPU or RAM usage can indicate performance bottlenecks. Look for spikes in resource consumption that might correspond to crashes or lag.

4. Note Down Error Codes and Messages:

   • Many errors come with specific codes or messages that can be searched online or referenced in the VolticHost documentation.

✅ Common server issues identified successfully!

3️⃣ Next Step - Troubleshooting and Fixing Server Issues

1. Restart the Server (Basic Fix):

   • If the issue is minor or temporary, try restarting the server via the Power Options tab in the VolticHost Game Panel.

2. Disable Recent Mods or Plugins:

   • If errors started after adding new mods, disable them and restart the server.

   • Remove broken mods from /mods/ or /plugins/ folders if necessary.

3. Adjust Performance Settings:

   • Reduce resource-heavy configurations in your server.cfg file.

   • Limit entity or AI spawns to lower CPU and memory usage.

4. Update Server Files:

   • Check if your game server is running the latest version.

   • In the VolticHost Game Panel, update files via the SteamCMD or Update button (if available).

5. Check Network and Firewall Settings:

   • If players are having connection issues, verify that the server port is correctly configured in server.cfg and that firewalls are not blocking the game’s network traffic.

✅ Troubleshooting steps applied successfully!

4️⃣ Next Step - Monitoring and Preventing Future Issues

1. Enable Auto-Restart on Failure:

   • Configure the server to restart automatically in case of a crash using the Scheduler in the VolticHost Game Panel.

2. Set Up Log Alerts:

   • Some servers allow automated alerts for critical errors. If available, enable these to receive early warnings.

3. Perform Regular Maintenance:

   • Keep your mods and plugins updated to prevent compatibility issues.

   • Schedule regular restarts to refresh memory and prevent slowdowns.

4. Backup Server Data Frequently:

   • Use the Backups feature in the VolticHost Game Panel to save recent server states, allowing easy recovery from unexpected crashes.

✅ Server monitoring and prevention measures implemented successfully!

🎉 Conclusion

You have now successfully learned how to manage and troubleshoot your server logs using the VolticHost Game Panel! By accessing log files, identifying errors, applying fixes, and monitoring performance, you can keep your server running smoothly with minimal downtime. If you need further assistance, contact VolticHost Support. 🚀