“Port Not Registered” Error in SCP:SL Servers
Problem Description
When hosting an SCP: Secret Laboratory server, you may encounter the following error:
[YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS] Could not update server data on server list – [SECURITY VIOLATION] Specified port is not registered. Please contact your hosting provider if you believe this is an error.
This occurs when your hosting provider has pre-registered or verified all IP addresses under their ownership with SCP:SL’s central servers. This includes IPs assigned to dedicated servers, VPS, or shared hosting environments. When your server attempts to verify itself:
-
The central server detects the IP is already registered.
-
A new verification key (
verkey
) cannot be generated, preventing proper server registration. - The server fails to appear on the public list, even if it is technically reachable(via direct connection with ip adress.).
----> You can find a list of hosting providers with pre-verified systems (where this issue may occur) here
Solutions
1. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If you want your server to appear on the public list:
-
Ask your hosting provider to unverify/unregister the specific IP address assigned to your server.
-
Restart your server afterward to trigger a new verification attempt. (here you can find a step by step guide on how to verify your server if needed.)
Note:
-
Some providers may refuse due to shared infrastructure or policy.
-
If unverification is not possible, proceed to Solution 2 and 3.
2. Use a Domain Name (Private Servers Only)
If your server is private and you own a domain:
-
Point your domain to the server’s IP (e.g.,
scpsl.yourdomain.com
→192.0.2.1
). -
Edit your server’s
config_gameplay.txt
to use the domain.server_ip: scpsl.yourdomain.com
- Restart your server.
Key Notes:
-
Players can connect via the domain (e.g.,
scpsl.yourdomain.com:7777
). -
Domains are not supported for official verification. Verification requires a dynamic or static ip
address.
3. Request a Dedicated IP Address
Some hosting providers offer dedicated (unique) IP addresses, sometimes for an extra fee but some may provide it for free depending on your plan or request.
Having your own unique/dedicated IP address helps with:
-
Avoiding conflicts with already verified servers.
-
Ensuring a smoother verification process for public servers.
If your hosting provider gives you a unique IP address, make sure to:
-
Update your
gameplay_config
file with the new IP if needed. -
Restart your server afterwards to trigger a new verification attempt.
(You can find a step-by-step guide on how to verify your server here if needed.)
Troubleshooting
If the error persists:
-
Confirm your
server_ip
inconfig_gameplay.txt
matches your domain or dedicated IP. -
Verify DNS propagation (e.g.,
ping yourdomain.com
). -
Ensure no firewall/proxy is blocking the server’s port.