# Startup and settings

> Change a FeatherPanel server's startup command, variables and Docker image, switch software, import files, read activity, and manage SFTP, reinstall and delete.

Source: https://featherpanel.com/docs/user/servers/startup-and-settings/

## Startup

The Startup page needs `startup.read`. Saving the command and variables needs `startup.update`, and the host can lock
startup changes with `server_allow_startup_change`.

| Section | What you can do |
| --- | --- |
| Startup Command | Edit the command that starts the server, or Restore Default from the spell. |
| Startup Variables | Fill in the variables the [spell](https://featherpanel.com/docs/spells#variables) defines. Read-Only ones are shown but locked. |
| Custom environment variables | Add your own variables (uppercase letters, numbers and underscores). Tick **Encrypt this value and hide it after save** for secrets. They sync without a reinstall. |
| Docker Image | Pick one of the images the spell lists. A custom image only works if the host allows it (`server_allow_custom_docker_image`). Needs `startup.docker-image`. |
| Software Transfer | Move to another spell, for example from Paper to Fabric, fill in any new variables, and optionally **Wipe Files on Change**. Only shown when the host allows it (`server_allow_egg_change`), and the host can
separately turn off changes across software categories. |

## Settings

| Card | Notes |
| --- | --- |
| Server Information | Name and description (`settings.rename`). An expiry date appears when the host set one; the server is suspended on that date. |
| Backup policy | Shows the host's backup limit and, when allowed, lets you choose Inherit, Hard limit or FIFO rolling. See [Backups](https://featherpanel.com/docs/user/servers/backups#limits-and-rotation). |
| Auto Start | Start the server again after the node reboots or reconnects, with an optional extra delay of 0 to 3600 seconds. Servers you stopped by hand and suspended servers are never auto-started. |
| Privacy | Privacy mode hides addresses, SFTP details and credentials across the whole panel for your account. Handy when streaming. |
| SFTP Details | Host, port, username and a direct `sftp://` link. The password is your account password. |
| Abort Install | Stops an install or reinstall that is running. |
| Reinstall Server | Runs the spell's install script again. Type `REINSTALL` and choose whether to wipe all files first. Needs `settings.reinstall`. |
| Delete Server | Only when the host allows it (`server_allow_user_server_deletion`). You confirm the action is irreversible, solve a small sum and type the server name. |

## Import

**Import** copies files from another host over SFTP or FTP, which helps when you move from another provider. The host
enables it with `server_allow_user_made_import` and the node must support it. Needs `import.read` and `import.manage`.

1. **Start Import** and pick SFTP (encrypted) or FTP.
2. Enter host, port, username and password of the old server.
3. Set the source path (absolute, starting with `/`) and the destination path on this server.
4. Optionally **Wipe Destination** or wipe all server files first.

The server is stopped during the import. The list shows each import as Pending, Importing, Completed or failed.

## Activity

**Activities** (`activity.read`) lists everything that happened on the server: power actions, file changes, backups and
more. Filter by user, date range and category, open an event for its IP and metadata, and export
the list as CSV.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I change the Minecraft or game version?

Open Startup and change the version variable your spell exposes, then restart. Some spells need a reinstall to download the new version.

### What password do I use for SFTP?

Your panel account password. Settings shows the host, port and username.

### Can I delete my own server?

Only if your host allows it. Deleting takes three steps and cannot be undone.