Server Start .bat File

Use a batch file to launch your DayZ server with the correct settings, mods, and parameters—automatically, every time. This guide shows you how to create, configure, and troubleshoot .bat files for reliable server startup.

Overview

Warning: Always right-click your .bat file and select “Run as administrator”. This prevents permission errors and ensures your server launches successfully.

A server start .bat (batch) file is a Windows script that launches your DayZ server with the correct settings, mods, and parameters—automatically, every time. Using a .bat file saves you from manually entering long command lines and ensures your server always starts with the right configuration.

Ensures consistent server startup with every launch
Loads mods and configuration files automatically
Reduces human error and saves time
Supports automated restarts and maintenance

Basic .bat File Structure

Copy the code below into a new text file, save it with a .bat extension (for example, start_server.bat), and place it in your DayZ server directory.

Tip: This script launches a vanilla (unmodded) DayZ server with standard parameters.

@echo off
title DayZ Server

:: Server Configuration
set SERVER_NAME="My DayZ Server"
set SERVER_PORT=2302
set CONFIG_FILE=serverDZ.cfg
set PROFILES_FOLDER=ServerProfile

:: Start the server
start "DayZ Server" /min "DayZServer_x64.exe" ^
    -config=%CONFIG_FILE% ^
    -port=%SERVER_PORT% ^
    -profiles=%PROFILES_FOLDER% ^
    -dologs ^
    -adminlog ^
    -netlog ^
    -freezecheck

echo Server started successfully!
pause

Advanced Configuration with Mods

To load mods, add the -mod and -servermod parameters to your .bat file as shown below.

Note: Mod folder names are case-sensitive and must match exactly as they appear in your server files. Separate each mod with a semicolon (;) and do not use spaces in mod names or paths. The order of mods can affect server behavior, so arrange them as required by your mod dependencies.

Tip: Copy this script, adjust the MOD_LIST variable for your mods, and save as a .bat file in your server directory.

@echo off
title DayZ Server with Mods

:: Server Configuration
set SERVER_NAME="My Modded DayZ Server"
set SERVER_PORT=2302
set CONFIG_FILE=serverDZ.cfg
set PROFILES_FOLDER=ServerProfile

:: Mod Configuration
set MOD_LIST=@CF;@Community-Online-Tools;@VPPAdminTools;@CodeLock;@BaseBuildingPlus

:: BattlEye Configuration
set BATTLEYE_DIR=battleye

:: Start the server with mods
start "DayZ Server" /min "DayZServer_x64.exe" ^
    -config=%CONFIG_FILE% ^
    -port=%SERVER_PORT% ^
    -profiles=%PROFILES_FOLDER% ^
    -dologs ^
    -adminlog ^
    -netlog ^
    -freezecheck ^
    -mod=%MOD_LIST% ^
    -servermod=@CF ^
    -bepath=%BATTLEYE_DIR%

echo Server with mods started successfully!
echo Loaded mods: %MOD_LIST%
pause

Auto-Restart Script

Use an auto-restart script to keep your server online 24/7. If the server process crashes or stops, the script will automatically restart it after a short delay, minimizing downtime for your players.

Tip: Copy and use this script to keep your server running with minimal downtime.

@echo off
title DayZ Server Auto-Restart

:: Server Configuration
set SERVER_NAME="DayZ Server Auto-Restart"
set SERVER_PORT=2302
set CONFIG_FILE=serverDZ.cfg
set PROFILES_FOLDER=ServerProfile
set MOD_LIST=@CF;@Community-Online-Tools;@VPPAdminTools

:: Restart Loop
:restart
echo.
echo =====================================
echo Starting DayZ Server...
echo Time: %date% %time%
echo =====================================
echo.

:: Start the server and wait for it to close
"DayZServer_x64.exe" ^
    -config=%CONFIG_FILE% ^
    -port=%SERVER_PORT% ^
    -profiles=%PROFILES_FOLDER% ^
    -dologs ^
    -adminlog ^
    -netlog ^
    -freezecheck ^
    -mod=%MOD_LIST% ^
    -servermod=@CF

echo.
echo =====================================
echo Server stopped at %date% %time%
echo Restarting in 10 seconds...
echo =====================================
echo.

:: Wait 10 seconds before restarting
timeout /t 10 /nobreak

:: Go back to restart label
goto restart

Command Line Parameters

Understanding the most important command line parameters for DayZ server:

Parameter	Description	Example
-config	Path to server configuration file	`-config=serverDZ.cfg`
-port	Server port number	`-port=2302`
-profiles	Path to server profiles folder	`-profiles=ServerProfile`
-mod	Client-side mods (semicolon separated)	`-mod=@mod1;@mod2`
-servermod	Server-side only mods	`-servermod=@CF`
-dologs	Enable detailed logging	`-dologs`
-adminlog	Enable admin action logging	`-adminlog`
-netlog	Enable network logging	`-netlog`
-freezecheck	Enable freeze detection	`-freezecheck`
-bepath	Path to BattlEye folder	`-bepath=battleye`

Troubleshooting

Server Won't Start

Solution: Double-check that all file paths in your .bat file are correct and that the referenced files exist in your server directory.

Solution: Ensure serverDZ.cfg is properly configured and present in the correct location.

Solution: Confirm all required mods are installed and the mod paths are correct.

Solution: Always run the .bat file as administrator.

Mods Not Loading

Solution: Mod folder names must match exactly (case-sensitive).

Solution: Use semicolons (;) to separate mods in the -mod parameter.

Solution: Do not use spaces in mod names or paths.

Solution: Load mods one by one to identify any problematic mod.

Performance Issues

Tip: Monitor CPU and memory usage during server startup.

Tip: Reduce the number of mods if you experience long load times.

Tip: Optimize server parameters for your hardware.

Tip: Use an SSD for faster file access and improved performance.

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