# Frequently asked questions ## Does PalCenter run or install Palworld? No. PalCenter connects to already-running Palworld dedicated servers through their official REST APIs. It does not install servers, use SteamCMD, control Docker, update Palworld, or manage saves. ## Can one PalCenter manage multiple servers? Yes. Add each server with a display name, REST URL, and Palworld administrator password. Live status failures are isolated per server. ## Where is PalCenter data stored? All persistent data is under `/app/data`. It includes server and notification configuration, users, the session-signing configuration, SQLite history, telemetry, events, and automation data. ## Does PalCenter store live server state in `servers.json`? No. `servers.json` stores connection configuration only. Player count, FPS, version, uptime, and similar state are fetched live or stored in the historical SQLite database where explicitly documented. ## Which ports are required? Port `3000` is the web interface. Port `3001` is the direct API and health endpoint. Normal browser use goes through the web interface's same-origin API proxy, so the direct API does not need public exposure. ## Does PalCenter require HTTPS? Not on a trusted local network, but HTTPS is strongly recommended for remote access. Put port `3000` behind a reverse proxy and set `PALCENTER_SESSION_COOKIE_SECURE=true`. ## Are WebSockets required through a reverse proxy? No. PalCenter uses normal HTTP requests and polling. ## Is there a default administrator password? No. The first-run wizard creates the initial Administrator. User passwords are not stored in environment variables or plaintext. ## What is the difference between a PalCenter password and `AdminPassword`? A PalCenter password signs a user into the management console. The Palworld `AdminPassword` authenticates PalCenter to a remote Palworld REST API. They are separate credentials. ## What can each role do? - **Administrator:** full management. - **Moderator:** operational server/player access and authorized map history. - **Visitor:** read-only access. The backend API enforces these permissions. ## Why is the server shown as offline? PalCenter could not complete the live REST request. Check the Palworld process, REST enablement/port, network path, and administrator password. Other configured servers continue updating. ## Why is the World Map empty? Markers require a currently connected player with valid X/Y telemetry. Movement history also requires captured samples in the selected range. An empty map is normal when no players are online. ## Does the Player Activity Summary use AI? No. It uses deterministic thresholds over observed telemetry. Descriptions such as Exploring or Mostly Idle summarize movement patterns, not player intent. ## Does telemetry grow forever? No. Raw player telemetry defaults to 30-day retention, configurable from 1 to 3650 days. Unchanged snapshots are reduced while periodic heartbeats preserve useful history. ## What automation is supported? Broadcast Message, Save World, and Graceful Shutdown. PalCenter does not schedule restarts because the official REST API does not provide a restart operation. ## Does Run Now change the schedule? No. It executes immediately and records history without changing the recurring task's calculated next run. ## What happens to missed automation runs? After a restart, an overdue task runs once as soon as possible. PalCenter then calculates the next occurrence; it does not replay every missed run. ## What is included in a backup? Current format-v3 archives include server connections, notification configuration, users and password hashes, history/telemetry/automation data, and system signing configuration. Backups are sensitive and should be encrypted at rest. ## Can I copy the SQLite database while PalCenter is running? Use PalCenter's Backup page. For a host-level cold backup, stop the container and copy all of `/app/data`; do not copy only a live SQLite file. ## Can I use a bind mount with a different UID/GID? Yes. The standard default is `1000:1000`; Unraid uses `99:100`. The host directory must already be writable by that identity. PalCenter does not start as root or change host ownership. ## Can PalCenter be hosted under `/palcenter`? No. Use a dedicated hostname such as `palcenter.example.com`. Root-relative application routes and assets make subpath hosting unsupported. ## Where do I report a problem? Use the [issue tracker](https://github.com/shanebionic/palcenter/issues) for bugs and feature requests. Follow [SECURITY.md](../SECURITY.md) for private vulnerability reporting.