How do I stop files from being deleted or reset on every restart?

When a file keeps reverting to its old contents after every restart, it's almost never the panel losing your changes. Instead, the server is regenerating that file on boot, or a plugin or startup script is overwriting it. Here's how to make your edits stick.

Why files revert

Servers and their add-ons often rewrite certain config files at startup. If you edit the wrong copy, edit while the server is running, or a plugin owns that file, your changes get replaced the next time it boots.

Making edits stick

1. Confirm you're editing while the server is stopped, then restarting.
2. Check that no plugin, mod, or startup script is rewriting that file on boot.
3. Make sure you're editing the file the server actually reads — right folder, right name.
4. If a default file regenerates, put your changes in the correct config the software respects instead.

Warning: Editing a running server's files often gets overwritten on shutdown. Stop first, edit, then start.

Frequently asked questions

My config resets on every boot — why? A plugin or mod likely owns that file and regenerates it. Configure the setting through that add-on instead of editing the file directly.