Skip to main content

Starting Your Server

After configuring your license, you need to start the server components in the correct order.

Important

Always start servers in this exact order. Starting them out of order can cause connection issues.

Startup Sequence​

Step 1: Connect Server​

Purpose: Handles initial client connections and authentication.

Location: ConnectServer/
Executable: ConnectServer.exe
  1. Navigate to the Connect Server directory
  2. Run the executable
  3. Wait for "Server started successfully" message
  4. Do not proceed until Connect Server is fully initialized
Status Check

Connect Server is ready when you see:

  • Port listening confirmed
  • Database connection established
  • License validation successful

Step 2: Data Server​

Purpose: Manages database operations and character data.

Location: DataServer/
Executable: DataServer.exe
  1. Navigate to the Data Server directory
  2. Run the executable
  3. Verify no error messages appear
  4. Check for "Ready" or "Initialized" status
Requirements

Data Server requires:

  • SQL Server connection configured
  • Connect Server running
  • Database permissions set correctly

Step 3: Join Server​

Purpose: Manages player entry into game servers.

Location: JoinServer/
Executable: JoinServer.exe
  1. Navigate to the Join Server directory
  2. Run the executable
  3. Confirm connection to Connect Server
  4. Verify port is listening

Step 4: Game Server​

Purpose: Runs the game world and handles gameplay.

Location: GameServer/
Executable: GameServer.exe
  1. Navigate to the Game Server directory
  2. Run the executable
  3. Wait for complete initialization
  4. Verify all plugins loaded successfully
Multiple Game Servers

If running multiple game servers:

  1. Start each one separately
  2. Wait for full initialization before starting the next
  3. Verify each connects to Data Server

Verification​

After starting all servers, verify everything is working:

Check Server Status​

Connect Server:

  • ✓ Listening on configured port
  • ✓ Connected to database
  • ✓ License validated

Data Server:

  • ✓ Database queries executing
  • ✓ No connection errors
  • ✓ Character load/save working

Join Server:

  • ✓ Connected to Connect Server
  • ✓ Port open and listening
  • ✓ Ready to handle joins

Game Server:

  • ✓ All scripts loaded
  • ✓ Maps initialized
  • ✓ Connected to Data Server
  • ✓ NPCs and monsters spawned

Test Connection​

  1. Open MU Online client
  2. Select your server from list
  3. Attempt to log in
  4. Create or load a character
  5. Enter the game
All Working?

If you can enter the game and move around, all servers are running correctly!

Common Issues​

Connect Server won't start

Possible causes:

  • Port already in use
  • License validation failed
  • Database connection failed

Solutions:

  1. Check no other instance is running
  2. Verify license configuration
  3. Test database connection
  4. Check firewall settings
Can't see server in client

Possible causes:

  • Server List IP incorrect
  • Firewall blocking connection
  • Connect Server not running

Solutions:

  1. Verify IP in Server List config
  2. Check firewall allows connections
  3. Confirm Connect Server is running
  4. Test connection with telnet
Can't create/load character

Possible causes:

  • Data Server not running
  • Database permissions issue
  • Join Server not connected

Solutions:

  1. Check Data Server is running
  2. Verify database user permissions
  3. Restart Join Server
  4. Check Data Server logs for errors
Can't enter game world

Possible causes:

  • Game Server not running
  • Join Server connection failed
  • Character data load error

Solutions:

  1. Verify Game Server is running
  2. Check Game Server connected to Data Server
  3. Review Game Server logs
  4. Confirm character exists in database

Monitoring​

Keep an eye on these while servers run:

Performance:

  • CPU usage (should be reasonable)
  • Memory usage (watch for leaks)
  • Network traffic

Logs:

  • Error messages
  • Warning messages
  • Connection attempts
  • Database queries (if slow)

Players:

  • Connection count
  • Active sessions
  • Chat activity
Server Management

Consider using a process manager or creating startup scripts to automate server starting and monitoring.

Shutdown Procedure​

To stop servers safely:

  1. Announce to players (if any are online)
  2. Stop Game Server(s) first
  3. Stop Join Server
  4. Stop Data Server
  5. Stop Connect Server last
Clean Shutdown

Always stop servers in reverse order to prevent data loss or corruption.

Need Help?​

If servers won't start or you encounter errors:

Check:

  • All configuration files correct
  • License valid and applied
  • Ports not blocked by firewall
  • Database accessible
  • All required files present

Contact GGCode Support with:

  • Server logs
  • Error messages
  • Configuration files (remove sensitive info)
  • Steps you've already tried

Your servers should now be running! Players can connect and start playing.