Starting a server

[Arj]

Hi guys, I'm interested in starting a permanent server for the PWMangband variant. I have an extra computer in the house that isn't being used for anything productive and I'd love to help out. I have a DSL connection and am located in FL, US. I would like someone to help run me through what is necessary to get the server running with issues such as , getting it to post to metaserver with a custom name, resetting server if any problems arise, and other general help. I am not extremely experienced with this sort of thing so if it's beyond me to undertake the maintenance of this server please feel free to let me know. Thanks in advance for your kind and helpful responses.

[serina]

PowerWyrm can easily take you through the setup etc.

ZAL

[PowerWyrm]

Running a server is easy:
- download the client and the server (see my sig for the links)
- edit mangband.cfg (BIND_NAME = name of your server, CONSOLE_PASSWORD = console password, DUNGEON_MASTER_NAME = DM name)
- launch mangband.exe
- launch the client, create the DM character
The only tricky part is about the BIND_NAME parameter. The metaserver changed recently and will only accept valid domain names now, so BIND_NAME can't be simply "localhost" or "my_computer_name", but it has to be a valid domain name such as powerwyrm.dyndns.org (that's my domain name for my pwmang test server). If you don't have a domain name, get one (many providers will give one for free - I tried www.dyndns.org and it works fine).
About managing the server, I can't tell much as I did never run a permanent server. There is a file, runserv, in the mangband directory but that file is for linux and there's nothing similar for windows. I guess you would have to write a batch file...

[Arj]

Server is up at pwmangband.dyndns.org , feel free to join and play, I plan on leaving it there permanently for people to enjoy, take care!

[PowerWyrm]

Remember to check this forum regularly for version updates ;)

[Flambard]

I believe Arj deserves some gratitude :) Thanks for helping out!

[Arj]

No problem, I'll be playing regularly once I get my keyboard with a numpad tonight! See ya guys soon!

[PowerWyrm]

I saw the server online yesterday with someone playing! Nice...
Today, the server is down (regular server seems empty too at this time which is kinda strange...)
One little info here... next version (1.1.1.4, and I'm gonna probably release it this Friday) will see major changes with the addition of objects, monsters and a new race... and that means that any active pwmang server will have to face a total reset (both player and server savefiles will be incompatible with 1.1.1.3). In the meantime, I encourage people to test new races, classes, monsters, objects, shops... instead of playing one character intensively (as soon as the permanent server is back online).

[PowerWyrm]

Seems that the server is down for good...

[Arj]

No need to despair, It was completely my fault the server was down. Just noticed that the electricity went out a couple days ago and never restarted the server comp. I'll make sure that doesnt happen again!

[PowerWyrm]

Btw... new version will be released tomorrow with major changes. I'll hope you'll update your server...
Next time there shouldn't be drastic changes, so it should be a good time to start good chars ;)

[Arj]

Server isn't reporting to meta. If anyone wants to join, download the client and press Q at startup. Type in pwmangband.dyndns.org to join the server. Thanks/

[PowerWyrm]

The server should report to meta. Mine works perfectly...
If there's a problem, then it's something with the meta. Try restarting the server (and don't forget to check that you got a valid IP on DynDNS updater).