PowerupStackIf your PowerupStack Minecraft server does not start, first check the status shown in the startup dialog and then open Console. A queued server, an unavailable instance, and a Minecraft process that crashes all require different fixes.
Check the instance status
| Status or message | What to do |
|---|---|
| Queued | Keep the startup page open and wait for capacity. Follow the instance queue guide. |
| Created or Shelved | Start the instance so PowerupStack can assign a node and restore its files. |
| Shelving or Migrating | Wait for the operation to finish before starting again. |
| Starting | Open Console and watch for the server software to finish loading or report an error. |
| Stopped with an exit code | Read the last console messages; the exit code alone usually does not identify the cause. |
| Unavailable | Follow the missing or unavailable instance guide. |
Read the console before changing files
The final error in the console is often a consequence rather than the original problem. Scroll upward and look for the first clear error, including a file name, plugin or mod name, Minecraft version, or missing dependency.
Common causes include:
- A plugin, mod, or modpack version that does not match the server software or Minecraft version.
- A missing dependency required by another plugin or mod.
- A damaged configuration file after an invalid edit.
- The instance exceeding its disk limit.
- Insufficient memory for the selected software or modpack.
- Custom Java software without a file named exactly
server.jarin the instance root directory.
An exit code 1 is a general failure code. Use the accompanying console error to identify the actual cause rather than repeatedly restarting the server.
Undo the most recent change
If the server worked before a change:
- Stop the instance.
- Back up its files if you do not already have a current copy.
- Remove or restore the plugin, mod, configuration, or version changed immediately before the failure.
- Start the server and check Console again.
For a disk-limit error, free up Minecraft server storage. If the problem began after an upgrade, review how to change the Minecraft server version and confirm that all installed content supports that version.
How long should startup take?
The first start and large modpacks take longer because they generate files, download assets, or create a world. Queue time is separate from Minecraft startup time. Continue waiting while the console is producing normal progress. If the console stops at the same error or the process returns to Stopped, troubleshoot that error instead.
Contact support
Contact PowerupStack support if the instance remains unavailable, repeatedly fails before Console becomes accessible, or reports a platform error rather than a Minecraft error. Include the instance ID, approximate failure time, current status, exit code, and relevant console lines. Do not include passwords, access tokens, or other secrets.