A Server Owner's Guide to FiveM Script Errors & Troubleshooting

You've just installed a new script, restarted your server with excitement, and... nothing. Or worse, your server console is flooded with intimidating red error messages. Welcome to the world of FiveM troubleshooting! Every server owner has been here. But don't worry, most errors are surprisingly common and easy to fix once you know what to look for.

This guide will walk you through the most frequent issues and teach you how to solve them like a pro.

The First Commandment: Read The Documentation (RTD!)

Before you do anything else, stop and read the documentation provided by the script's developer. A reliable developer will always provide a `README.md` file or a link to a documentation website. This document contains the two most important things you need:

  • Installation Steps: The exact, step-by-step process to install their script correctly.
  • Dependencies: A list of other scripts that are REQUIRED for this one to work. Missing a dependency is one of the most common reasons a script fails to start.

Skipping the documentation is the fastest way to create errors for yourself. Always start here.

Common Error #1: The Dreaded `Config` Error

If your console mentions an error related to `config.lua` or `shared/config.lua`, it is almost always a simple syntax error you made while editing the file. The most common mistake is a missing comma.

When you edit a big table in the config, it's easy to delete a comma or add one where it doesn't belong. To avoid this, when you're making significant changes, use a text comparison tool (like Diffchecker or the one in Visual Studio Code) to compare your modified file with the original. This will instantly highlight the exact line you changed, making it easy to spot a syntax error.

Common Error #2: Missing Items or SQL

Many scripts require you to add new items to your inventory system or new tables to your database. The developer will provide these in the download.

  • SQL Files: The script will come with a `.sql` file. You MUST execute this file in your database (using a tool like HeidiSQL or phpMyAdmin). If you don't, the script won't have anywhere to save or load its data, causing it to fail.
  • Item/Image Files: The script will also include an `items.lua` file and/or an `images` folder. You must properly add the items to your inventory script's shared files and ensure the images are placed in the correct directory for your inventory to use.

The "Leaked Script" Problem: A Black Hole of Errors

If you downloaded a script from a "leak" website or Discord, stop right now. You will not get support for it, and it is likely broken. Leaked scripts are notorious for being outdated, poorly cracked, or intentionally sabotaged with backdoors. The errors you encounter may be impossible to fix because the code itself is fundamentally broken. Trying to "fix" a leaked script is a waste of time that will only lead to frustration.

How to Get Real Help: The Right Way

If you've followed the documentation and checked for common errors but still have an issue, it's time to contact the developer. Here is the professional way to do it:

  1. Find their Discord: A legitimate developer will link their official Discord server on their Tebex store page or the forum post for the script.
  2. Open a Ticket: Do not DM the developer. Use their ticket system (usually a specific channel in their Discord). This is how they track and manage support requests.
  3. Provide Information: When you open a ticket, provide the complete error message from your server console, a description of what you were doing when it happened, and proof of purchase. This will help them solve your problem quickly.

Start with a Foundation of Quality

The best way to avoid errors is to use high-quality, well-supported scripts from the start. That's why we built this platform—to give you a legitimate, safe way to discover resources without the risk of leaks. The scripts below are the top-rated on our site, representing the gold standard of quality and support in the community.