Setting up server files is a classic project for MMORPG developers. Whether you're working with Action 3 (A3), Action 9 (A9), or newer builds, the core workflow remains similar.
Here is a guide on how to get Dekaron server files working, based on community standards from platforms like SQLServerCentral 1. Requirements & Environment
Before touching the files, ensure your environment is ready: Operating System:
Windows Server (2008 R2, 2012, or 2016) is preferred, though Windows 10/11 works for local testing. SQL Server
is mandatory. Common versions include 2008 R2, 2014, or even newer Express editions. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): To manage and query your databases. Often used for editing files or debugging connection issues. Text Editor: Notepad++ or VS Code for editing SQLServerCentral 2. Database Setup Restore Databases: Most server file packs come with files (e.g., ). Restore these in SSMS. Configure Logins: Create a SQL user (often named ) with proper mapping to these databases. ODBC Connections: You must set up System DSNs in ODBC Data Source Administrator (32-bit) to allow the server binaries to talk to the SQL database. 3. Server Configuration (The "Work")
To get the services running, you need to sync the IP addresses and ports across multiple files: Config Files: serverinfo.ini config.ini
inside the server folders. Update these with your local IP ( for local) or your Public/VPS IP. Service Order:
Start the services in this specific order to avoid "Session is null" or "Cannot connect" errors: DBManager / DBMon: Connects to the SQL database. SessionServer: Manages player sessions. MsgServer: Handles communication. CastServer: Broadcasts server status. WorldServer: The actual game world. 4. Client-Side Connection The client must match the server's version and IP: Internal.txt / Option.txt:
Check the client folder for these files to point the client to your server's IP. You may need a custom launcher or a modified dekaron.exe to bypass official check-ins. Troubleshooting Common Issues "Cannot connect to server": Usually an IP mismatch in the server files or a firewall blocking port (SQL) or the game ports (usually Database Errors: Ensure the SQL Server service is running and the user has permissions on all restored databases. Missing Tools: public archives on GitHub
for legacy tools, scripts, and website templates if your pack is incomplete. SQLServerCentral
To get Dekaron server files working, you generally need to set up a specific environment involving a SQL database, the server executables (binaries), and matching client files. Core Setup Requirements
Database: Most Dekaron files require Microsoft SQL Server (versions like 2008 R2 or 2012 are common for older "Action" versions). You must restore the .bak database files included with your server package—typically account, character, and gamedb.
ODBC Connections: You must configure System DSN (Data Source Name) connections in Windows Administrative Tools so the server files can communicate with the SQL database. Use the SQL Server driver and authenticate with the sa user.
IP Configuration: You need to edit multiple .ini files in your server folder (like session.ini, login.ini, and world.ini) to point to your server's IP address (use 127.0.0.1 for local testing). Common Steps to "Create a Piece" (Crafting)
If your "create a piece" refers to crafting items within the game once the server is live:
Mastery Leveling: To craft advanced armor or weapons, you must first level your crafting mastery. Start by crafting low-level items like "Weapon Hone First Grade" or processing materials.
Materials: Obtain base materials from dungeons (e.g., the level 185 dungeon in Matira for high-end gear).
Crafting Menu: Use the in-game crafting interface to combine these materials. You generally need to reach Mastery Level 3 to craft significant equipment. Troubleshooting Connectivity
Hex Editing: If you cannot connect, you may need to use a hex editor on the client's dekaron.exe or data.pak to find and replace the original developer's IP address with your own.
Essential Binaries: Ensure LoginServer.exe, SessionServer.exe, CastServer.exe, and DekaronServer.exe are all running without errors in their logs.
For detailed guides and file downloads, community forums like RaGEZONE's Dekaron Section remain the primary resource for server development.
Setting up a private Dekaron server requires configuring the database, editing server-side .ini configuration files, and hex-editing the client files to match your network settings. Because many public server files are legacy releases (like Action 9 or 11), they often require manual "repairs" and significant time to stabilize. Core Configuration Steps
To get the server files communicating with the client, you must synchronize several key parameters:
Database Setup: Restore the cleanDB or provided database files using SQL Server. You must create an ODBC connection for the account database to link the server to the user data.
Server Side (.ini files): Locate all .ini files in your server folder. You must replace placeholder values for: SERVER_IP: Your LAN or WAN IP address. dekaron server files work
DATABASE_PASSWORD: Your SQL sa (system administrator) password. SERVER_NAME: The name you want to appear in the game.
Client Side (Hex Editing): Use a hex editor to search for the default IP address (often 5.174.100.113 in older files) in the following files:
Launcher: Replace the default IP with your configured server IP (usually 2 entries).
data.pak: Search and replace the IP (can be up to 14 entries).
File Extraction: If you are using newer "unpacked" data, move the contents of the "unpacked" folder into the main folder and merge. You may need to delete the old data.pak and set PackIO ----- 0 in the shadow.txt file to tell the game to read the raw files instead of the compressed archive. Management and Development Tools
Dekaron Server Manager: For easier database editing, you can use community-developed administrative tools like the ServerManager on GitHub to modify database entries without writing manual SQL queries.
Public Archives: Many developers have archived their collections of scripts, websites, and tools in repositories like the Scampi Dekaron Archive, though core server files are often omitted for copyright reasons. Important Considerations
Knowledge Requirement: Attempting to run a server without basic knowledge of SQL and hex editing typically leads to failure due to the "broken" nature of many public file releases.
Fresh Start Alternatives: If the technical setup is too complex, many players opt for established private servers like Dekaron Rising which offer pre-configured environments and active communities. underfisk/ServerManager: This dekaron server ... - GitHub
Dekaron private server development allows you to create your own customized version of this classic MMORPG. Success depends entirely on ensuring your server files work in harmony with your database and client.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding, setting up, and troubleshooting Dekaron server files. Understanding Dekaron Server Files
Dekaron server files are the core programs that run the game world, handle player data, and manage network connections. To make them work, you need a specific environment. The Core Components
The Binaries (EXEs): These are the actual applications (like SessionServer, CastServer, and GameServer) that run the game logic.
The Configuration Files (CFG/INI): These files tell the binaries how to connect to your database and what IP addresses to use.
The Database (SQL): This stores all player accounts, character data, items, and world settings.
The Client: The game program that players download to connect to your server. Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Getting your server files to work requires a methodical approach. Missing a single step usually results in connection failures. 1. Prepare Your Environment
Dekaron server files are older applications. They run best on specific operating systems and require certain software pre-installed.
Operating System: Windows Server 2008, 2012, or Windows 7/10 (64-bit).
Database: Microsoft SQL Server (2008 R2 or 2012 are highly recommended for compatibility).
Frameworks: Install .NET Framework 3.5 and the Visual C++ Redistributable packages. 2. Restore the Databases
Your server files cannot work without a database to read from. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Create new databases (usually named account, character, and gamedb).
Restore the .BAK files provided with your server files into these databases. Setting up server files is a classic project
Execute any necessary .SQL update scripts included in your release. 3. Configure the Server Files
You must link your server files to your SQL database and set the correct IP addresses.
Search your server file folders for files ending in .ini or .cfg. Open them with a text editor like Notepad++.
Edit the database connection strings with your SQL username and password.
Change the IP addresses. Use 127.0.0.1 for a local offline test, or your WAN IP for a public server. 4. Link the Client and Server
Your game client must match your server files exactly. If they do not match, players will disconnect immediately after logging in.
Ensure the action files, item files, and map files in your server's Data folder match the files in your client's Data folder.
Use a hex editor or a custom launcher to change the IP address inside the client's dkr or internal.txt files to match your server IP. Common Errors and How to Fix Them
Even experienced developers run into issues. Here are the most common reasons Dekaron server files fail to work. DB Connection Failed The Cause: The server files cannot talk to SQL Server.
The Fix: Check your .ini files for typos in the SQL password. Ensure SQL Server Browser service is running and TCP/IP protocol is enabled in SQL Configuration Manager. Stuck at "Connecting to Server"
The Cause: The client cannot find the server, or the ports are blocked.
The Fix: Double-check your IP configuration in both the client and server files. If hosting publicly, ensure you have forwarded the necessary ports (usually ports like 7880, 52001, etc.) in your router firewall. Instant Disconnect After Character Select
The Cause: A version mismatch between the client and the server files.
The Fix: This usually happens when the share folder in the server does not match the decrypted data files in the client. Copy the shared data from your server files directly into your client's directory. Best Practices for Server Administrators
Always Backup: Before changing any map, drop rate, or database table, make a backup copy.
Test Locally First: Never edit files directly on a live public server. Make them work on a local test environment first.
Keep Notes: Write down every modification you make. This makes troubleshooting much easier when an error randomly occurs later on.
To help you get your specific setup running, could you tell me which Dekaron Action version (e.g., Action 7, Action 9, or Action 21+) you are trying to use, and whether you are setting it up for local offline play or a public online server?
Setting up a Dekaron private server requires a combination of database management, file configuration, and client-side modifications. Because Dekaron is an older MMORPG, much of the "server files work" revolves around legacy environments like Windows Server 2003/2008 and SQL Server 2005/2008. 🛠️ Core Server Components
The server environment is typically divided into three primary parts:
Server Binaries: The executable files (e.g., Session.exe, World.exe, Cast.exe) that run the game logic.
Database (SQL): Usually contains Character, Account, and Game databases.
Config Files: .ini and .csv files that tell the server how to communicate with the DB and which IP to bind to. 📂 Key Files and Their Functions Understanding these files is critical for a working setup:
param.ini: The main configuration file for most server executables. You must update this with your SQL credentials (Username/Password) and IP Address. or adjusted shop prices.
loginlist.csv: Found in both the server and client. It maps the server IP so the client knows where to send login requests.
channellist.csv: Defines the different game channels (e.g., Channel 1, Pk Channel) and their respective IP addresses.
data.pak: The primary data container for the client. To modify game settings like drop rates or text, you often need to "unpack" this using a PackManager. ⚙️ Common Setup Steps
Database Restoration: Restore the .bak files into your SQL Server instance. IP Configuration:
Use a Hex Editor to search for default IPs (often placeholders like 127.0.0.1 or 5.174.100.113) in the launcher.exe and data.pak. Replace them with your server’s actual WAN or LAN IP.
ODBC Setup: You must create System DSN entries in Windows to link the server binaries to your SQL databases.
Client Linking: Ensure your client's share folder matches the server's share folder to prevent "Version Mismatch" errors. ⚠️ Frequent Troubleshooting
"Cannot connect to server": Usually caused by a mismatch in loginlist.csv or a firewall blocking the ports (default: 7880, 9991, 15000).
Session Null Error: Often occurs when the Session.exe cannot communicate with the World.exe. Check your internal IP bindings in the .ini files.
Packet Errors: If you use a newer client with older server files, the "packets" (data language) won't match, causing immediate disconnects. 🚀 Recommended Tools
OllyDBG: For debugging or "hooking" the .exe files if you need to bypass certain security checks.
MSSQL Management Studio: Essential for managing accounts and editing character stats.
Hex Editor (Neo or HxD): For changing hardcoded IPs inside binaries. If you are looking to start a project, let me know:
What Action/Version are you using? (e.g., A9, A15, or the newer 11-class versions) Are you setting this up for local testing or a public VPS?
Do you have a specific error message currently appearing in your logs?
I can provide specific SQL queries or config snippets based on your version! Need little help - CodeGuru Forums
Publicly available Dekaron server files generally fall into two categories:
| Type | Description | Example Releases | |------|-------------|------------------| | Leaked Official | Dumped from live official servers (often older versions like Episode 2, 4, or 6). Contain original code but may have bugs or hardcoded limits. | EP2 files, EP4 (Taiwan leak), EP6 (Brazil leak) | | Emulated / Reverse-Engineered | Built from scratch or by analyzing network traffic. More stable and customizable but less feature-complete. | Some “clean” builds shared on RageZone or ElitePVPers |
Most current private servers use Episode 6 (EP6) or Episode 8 (EP8) files as their base, then heavily modify them.
Most original Dekaron server files are 32-bit executables. For them to work on a modern Windows Server 2019 or 2022, you must enable:
Session.exe):
Login.exe):
Dekaron.exe or Server.exe):
Init/Character.txt – Defines base stats (STR, DEX, VIT, WIS) for each class at level 1.Init/LevelUp.txt – How much HP, MP, and stat points a character gains per level.Init/Skill.txt – Unbelievably important. Contains skill IDs, mana costs, cooldown times, damage formulas, and animation links.Pro tip: To make skills work correctly on your server, the
Skill.txton the server must match the client’sSkill.scpfile. A mismatch causes desyncs—skills will appear to cast client-side but do nothing server-side.
Here is a condensed workflow to make Dekaron server files work on a local machine:
.bak or .sql scripts to create the required DBs.127.0.0.1 in all .ini and .txt files with your LAN or WAN IP (or leave as 127.0.0.1 for single-PC testing).10001, 11002, 13001-13020.AccountServer.exe → wait → LoginServer.exe → wait → GameServer.exe..exe from your client folder.admin / admin) or create one directly in SQL.If all eight steps succeed, congratulations—you have successfully made Dekaron server files work.
MobSpawn.txt densities. Adjust GameServer.ini’s MaxThreads (if using a multi-threaded repack like DarkSteel or Evolution).