Shockbyte Panel
Shockbyte Panel
29 ArticlesDiscover everything you need to know about the Shockbyte Panel in our knowledgebase, packed with guides and tips to help you master your game server management with ease. Whether you’re configuring settings or troubleshooting, we’ve got you covered for a smooth hosting experience.
How to Increase the Storage Limit on Your Server
Your Shockbyte server includes unlimited disk space for files related to your server, within fair use. Each server still has a storage limit, and you can raise that limit for free whenever your server starts to run out of space. When your server gets close to its limit, the Shockbyte Panel shows a warning with an Add Storage button. You can use that button to increase your limit yourself in a few clicks. ::ProseNote{title="Note" description="Your server storage limit is separate from your backup storage, which holds the backups you create in the Backups tab. To get more backup storage, add the Backup Space add-on to your server." appearance="note"} :: --- Increasing Your Storage Limit When your server is almost full, you'll see a Storage Full banner in the panel with the message: Your instance is almost full, add storage to prevent running out! 1. Navigate to the Shockbyte Control Panel and open your server. 2. Find the Storage Full banner and click Add Storage. 3. Enter the amount of storage space you would like to add to your server. 4. Save your changes. There's no charge for increasing your storage limit, and you don't need approval from our team up to 100GB. --- Increasing Storage Beyond 100 GB You can raise your storage limit up to 100 GB yourself from the panel. If your server needs more than 100 GB, contact our support team and tell us what the extra space is for, such as a large world, a big modpack, or several worlds you want to keep. We'll review the request and increase the limit for you. ::ProseNote{title="Important" description="Server storage is for files your server uses, such as worlds, mods, plugins and configs. We don't allow server storage to be used for personal files or other content unrelated to your server." appearance="danger"} :: --- Freeing Up Space Before you raise your limit, check whether your server holds files you no longer need. Removing them keeps your server tidy and helps it run smoothly. Common examples include: - Old worlds you don't play anymore. - Backup copies or archives saved inside your server files. - Large log files from plugins, mods or scripts. You can keep copies of your worlds in the Backups tab instead of storing them in your server files. --- Troubleshooting - My storage fills up fast and then drops back down. A mod, plugin or script on your server is likely writing large temporary files, such as logs. Check your logs folder and recently changed files, then update or remove the mod or plugin causing it. Raising your limit won't fix this. - I don't see the Add Storage button. The button appears on the Storage Full banner, which shows when your server is close to 90% of its limit. If you need more space before you see the banner, contact our support team. - I need more than 100 GB. Contact our support team with details of what the extra space is for, and we'll take a look. --- If you still need help, contact our support team and we'll take a look for you.
How to Find and Fix YAML Config Errors
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language or Yet Another Markup Language) is widely used by games like Minecraft (Spigot, Paper, plugins) and server management tools. Unlike JSON, YAML relies heavily on indentation and spacing to define data structures. Indentation errors or improper character usage will cause parsing failures and prevent plugins or server files from loading. --- Using the Built-in Control Panel Validation Our built-in text editor automatically checks your files for syntax errors in real time. 1. When an error notification appears, click Jump to Section in the bottom-right banner. 2. The editor will automatically scroll to and highlight the exact line containing the error. 3. Look for a red wavy line under the broken code or a red indicator marker on the right. 4. Hover your cursor over the highlighted area to view the error breakdown. --- Common YAML Formatting Mistakes Because YAML uses clean, human-readable formatting, syntax mistakes usually come down to spacing, tabs, or special characters: 1. Using Tabs Instead of Spaces YAML strictly forbids the use of the Tab key for indentation. All indentation must be done using standard spaces (typically 2 spaces per level). - Correct: Using spaces to line up key levels. - Incorrect: Using to indent sub-keys. ::ProseNote{title="Tip" description="The control panel editor automatically converts pressings of the Tab key into spaces when editing .yml files, but copy-pasting code from external editors may bring unwanted tab characters with it." appearance="note"} :: 2. Incorrect Indentation Alignment Child items must align vertically under their parent key. Misaligning a single line by one space will cause a parsing error or corrupt the structure. - Correct settings: pvp: true motd: "Welcome!" - Incorrect settings: pvp: true motd: "Welcome!" 3. Missing Space After Colons or Dashes In YAML, keys and list items require a single space after the defining punctuation: A colon after a key name must be followed by a space. A dash for list items must be followed by a space. - Correct: or - Incorrect: or 4. Unquoted Special Characters If a text value contains special characters (such as , , , , , , , , , or ), the entire string must be wrapped in double () or single () quotes. - Correct: motd: - Incorrect: motd: (the second colon breaks parsing) --- External Troubleshooting Tools If you are struggling to spot an indentation issue, copy your entire file into a YAML parser: - YAML Lint: Validates YAML formatting and points directly to broken line numbers and tab issues. ::ProseNote{title="Tip" description="Always click Save Changes and restart your server after resolving syntax errors for the updated configurations to take effect." appearance="note"} :: ---
Why is my Server Suspended
Seeing your server listed as Suspended in the control panel means it has been temporarily taken offline and access to its services has been restricted. This guide explains the common reasons for server suspension and how to reactivate your server. --- Common Reasons for Suspension Overdue Billing / Failed Renewal: The most frequent reason for suspension is an unpaid renewal invoice or a failed automatic renewal payment. When an invoice passes its due date without payment, our automated billing system temporarily suspends the service to prevent unexpected server usage charges. Payment Disputes or Chargebacks: If a payment associated with your billing account is disputed, flagged for fraud, or reversed via a chargeback, the services tied to that payment are automatically suspended pending investigation. Terms of Service (ToS) / Fair Usage Violations: Services may be suspended if they trigger system alerts for abuse (e.g., severe resource abuse impacting host node stability, unauthorized malicious scripts, or hosting forbidden content). --- How to Unsuspend Your Server 1. Log in to your Shockbyte Client Area. 2. Check the Overdue Invoices section on your dashboard for any overdue invoices. 3. Select the Pay Now button and complete the payment using your preferred payment method. 4. Once payment is processed successfully, your server will be automatically unsuspended and restored within a few minutes. ::ProseNote{title="Note" description="Depending on your payment method, it may take some time for your payment to appear on your invoice. If you pay via manual eCheck or bank transfer, the unsuspension process will complete automatically as soon as the funds clear. " appearance="note"} :: --- Data Retention & Suspension Notice Suspension is not immediate cancellation. Your server files, world saves, and configurations remain completely intact during the suspension period. To help you stay on top of your account status, our billing system sends multiple automated notifications to your registered email address before and during a suspension: - Pre-Due Date Reminder: An initial invoice notification is sent several days before your payment due date. - Overdue Notices: If payment is not received by the due date, you will receive overdue payment reminders urging you to settle the invoice to avoid disruption. - Service Suspension Notification: If the invoice remains unpaid after the grace period, your server is suspended, and you will receive a final suspension email warning. ::ProseNote{title="Important" description="If the overdue invoice remains unpaid after 30 days of suspension, your server will be permanently terminated, and all associated files, backups, and data will be permanently deleted from our system." appearance="danger"} :: You can find our full terms of service regarding payments here: https://shockbyte.com/legal/terms-of-service#payment --- Download Suspended Server Files If your server is suspended and you wish to download a copy of your server files, you are welcome to do so by selecting the Request Server Data button when viewing your Control Panel. --- Frequently Asked Questions I paid my invoice, but my server is still suspended. What should I do? Check your invoice status in the Client Area to ensure the payment went through and shows as Paid. If the status is Paid and your server remains suspended after 15 minutes, please contact our support team. What if I was suspended for abuse or a payment dispute? If you have no unpaid invoices but your server is suspended, please check your registered email for a ticket notification from our Billing or Abuse team, or open a ticket with our support team.
How to Adjust your Startup Parameters
Startup parameters allow you to pass an advanced instructions directly to your server's executable file upon boot. This guide covers how to add custom parameters and explains why certain parameters may be locked in your control panel. --- Finding Game-Specific Startup Parameters Because launch arguments are created by game developers, each game hosted on our panel utilizes a unique set of supported parameters. Before adding custom parameters, you can find the complete list of supported parameters for your specific game through some of the following sources: - Official Developer Documentation & Wiki pages: Most game developers maintain dedicated server documentation or unofficial community wiki pages such as the Minecraft Wiki, Valve Developer Community, Bohemia Interactive Wiki, or official Unreal Engine docs) detailing all supported command-line arguments. - Community Guides: Popular platforms like Steam Community Hubs, Reddit, and GitHub often feature community-curated lists of optimal launch parameters for server performance. --- How to Add Custom Parameters 1. Access your Control Panel and Stop your server. 2. Navigate to the Config Tab at the top of your control panel. 3. Locate the Startup Parameters section near the bottom left of the page. 4. Enter your desired parameters within the text box. If you are adding more than one, separate each parameter with a single space (e.g., -XX:+DisableExplicitGC -XX:+AlwaysPreTouch). 5. Click Save and restart your server. ::ProseNote{title="Important" description="Startup parameters are case-sensitive for many game engines. Always ensure you double-check the syntax before saving." appearance="danger"} :: --- Understanding Locked Parameters While scrolling through the Startup Parameters page, you may notice that several options are greyed out or uneditable. Parameters are locked for two main reasons: - Resource Allocation & Hosting Limits: Certain flags dictate memory limits, CPU core bindings, port assignments, and IP binding. Lock settings ensure your server stays within your plan's allocated resources, preventing server crashes or host-level IP conflicts. - Peak Performance & Stability: Parameters like process priority, garbage collection routines, or specific core network flags are set automatically by our system. We enforce these settings to deliver the fastest, most stable performance possible in a shared hosting environment. --- Frequently Asked Questions Can I request a locked parameter to be changed? Because locked parameters are tied directly to backend server stability and hardware limits, they cannot be modified on standard hosting plans. Why do I see different parameters than another game? Startup parameters are defined by game developers, not Shockbyte. Because each game engine uses different launch arguments, the available options will vary depending on the game your server is running.
How to Fix "Server Connection Lost" Panel Errors
If you are encountering a persistent "Server Connection Lost" message on your Shockbyte control panel, it means your browser is having trouble establishing or maintaining a stable connection with our server nodes. Before reaching out to support, please run through these quick troubleshooting steps in order from easiest to most advanced. Quick Fixes 1. Open a Private or Incognito browsing window and try to load the panel to see if browser cache or conflicting extensions are causing the block. 2. Access the control panel using an entirely different web browser, such as switching from Chrome to Firefox or Edge. 3. Temporarily disable any active VPNs, proxy services, or custom DNS configurations that might be intercepting backend panel traffic. 4. Load the panel on your mobile phone using cellular data with your home Wi-Fi turned off to check for a home network or ISP restriction. --- Security / Threat Protection Features with Some ISPs Your connection issue may be caused by a "security" or "threat protection" feature built into your router or ISP app. This is common on Xfinity and Spectrum. What to check: - Xfinity/Comcast: Open the Xfinity app → go to your WiFi network → Advanced Security. Try turning it off temporarily. - Spectrum: Open the My Spectrum app or spectrum.net → look for Security Suite or Advanced Security under your network/WiFi settings. Try turning it off temporarily. - Other ISPs may have different steps, so it is recommended to search for your specific ISP's guide or contact them directly about how to negate this issue. These features scan connections and sometimes block ones they don't recognize, including ours, without telling you why. If disabling it fixes the issue, you can turn it back on afterwards and just add our domain as an exception if your app allows that, or leave it off if you'd rather not deal with it again. --- Advanced: Gathering Diagnostic Logs If the quick fixes above do not resolve the issue, our support team will need to analyze your browser's network traffic to find out exactly where the connection is dropping. ⚠️ Important: You must perform these steps on the exact browser tab displaying the "Server Connection Lost" error while the issue is actively happening. Google Chrome 1. Open Developer Tools: Press or ( on Mac). 2. Network Log (.HAR): Navigate to the Network tab at the top of the panel. Ensure the record button (⏺️) in the top-left is red (click it if it is grey). Check the box for Preserve log. Click the Clear button (🚫) to wipe old logs, then refresh the page to reproduce the connection error. Click the Download icon (arrow pointing down / "Export HAR...") to save the file. 3. Console Log: Switch to the Console tab. Click the gear icon (⚙️) and check Preserve log. Right-click the log area, select Save as, and save the file. Microsoft Edge 1. Open Developer Tools: Press or . 2. Network Log (.HAR): Navigate to the Network tab. Ensure the record button is red. Check Preserve log, click the Clear button (🚫), and refresh the page to trigger the error. Click the Download icon (arrow pointing down) to save your file. 3. Console Log: Switch to the Console tab. Ensure Preserve log is enabled under the gear icon settings. Right-click inside the console text window, choose Save as, and save the file. Safari (Mac) 1. Enable Developer Features: Go to Safari Settings (or Preferences) Advanced and check "Show features for web developers". 2. Network Log (.HAR): Open the Web Inspector via . Go to the Network tab, refresh the page to log the error, and click Export in the top-right corner. 3. Console Log: Switch to the Console tab. Press to select all text, right-click to Copy it, and paste it into a blank TextEdit file saved as a file. --- Submitting Your Ticket If you still need assistance, please open a support ticket and attach both the saved Network (.HAR) file and Console log file to your response so our technical team can review the failure logs.
Guaranteed Backup
Introducing Guaranteed Backups: Total Peace of Mind for Your Server Whether you are hosting a small, cozy server just for your closest friends or managing a sprawling 100-player community, your world is your most valuable asset. You and your community pour hundreds of hours into building, exploring, and surviving. The last thing you should ever have to worry about is losing that progress. As servers grow, so do their file sizes. Traditionally, server owners have had to play a balancing act with backup storage quotas; constantly monitoring file sizes to ensure their automated backups don't fail due to hitting a storage cap. You shouldn't have to micromanage your safety net. So now you don't. What is the Guaranteed Backup Feature? Put simply, Guaranteed Backup ensures that your primary backup slot will always fit your full server. Regardless of your backup’s total file size or any other storage limitations on your account, this primary slot acts as a failsafe that scales infinitely alongside your world. If your server is 5GB or 500GB, your primary backup will successfully capture and store every single byte of your server data. Why We Built It We noticed that as communities thrive and worlds expand, their backup files can easily bump against standard storage limits. When a backup fails because of a lack of space, it leaves your server vulnerable to griefing, corruption, or accidental wipes. With Guaranteed Backup, we are removing backup storage anxiety entirely. Key Benefits - Zero Storage Anxiety: Never wake up to a "Backup Failed: Storage Full" notification on your primary slot again. - Infinite Scaling: Build as large as you want, explore as far as you want, and add as many mods as you want. Your primary backup will always have room for your entire server. - Total Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing that even if you exceed your standard storage quotas for secondary backups, your primary safety net is fully intact and ready to restore at a moment's notice. How to Use It The best part? You don't need to be a technical expert to keep your data safe. The Guaranteed Backup feature applies automatically to your primary backup slot in the Shockbyte control panel. Just ensure your primary backup is scheduled, and we handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes. Focus on building your server. We’ll focus on keeping it safe.
How to Change your Server Type
Almost all our games have different server types available, each offering a different experience of the game. ::ProseNote{title="Warning" description="Not all server types are compatible with each other. Changing server type can cause all current progress to be reset. It is highly recommended you backup your files or create a new instance." appearance="danger"} :: --- Changing your Server Type, Version, and Build In this guide, we will walk through changing the server type, version, and build for a Minecraft server, the same steps however apply for all our games. 1. Open your server's Control Panel. 2. Stop your server. 3. Click on your current server type to open the "Edit Server" menu. 4. Select your preferred server type and click next. 5. Select your preferred version. 6. (Optional) Select your preferred build. Your server will now change to the selected server type, version, and build. Please allow it a few minutes to update.