So, you're having trouble accessing your ARK: Survival Evolved server's admin panel on your PC? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many players encounter issues with admin passwords, forgetting them or needing to reset them. This guide will walk you through several methods to regain access and get you back to managing your ARK server.
Understanding ARK Admin Passwords
Before we dive into solutions, let's clarify what we're dealing with. The admin password in ARK isn't tied to your Steam account or your operating system. It's a specific password set within the server configuration files. This means recovering it requires accessing those files, usually located within the server's installation directory.
Method 1: Checking Your Server Configuration Files
This is the most common and straightforward method. Your admin password is usually stored in a configuration file. The exact file name and location might vary slightly depending on how you've set up your server (using a dedicated server software, running from the game, etc.).
- Locate your server files: This often involves navigating to your Steam installation directory, then finding the ARK dedicated server folder. The location varies depending on your Steam installation location.
- Identify the configuration file: Look for a file named something like
GameUserSettings.ini,Game.ini, or a similar variation. This will contain your server's settings, including the admin password. The password is typically listed under a setting named something similar toServerAdminPassword. - Open the file with a text editor: Use Notepad, Notepad++, or another text editor to open the file. Be careful not to use a word processor like Microsoft Word, as this could corrupt the file.
- Find your admin password: Look for the line containing the
ServerAdminPasswordsetting. The value next to it is your password. It might be encrypted, depending on your server setup. If it's encrypted, you might need more advanced tools to decrypt it.
Important Note: If you can't find the password in the configuration file, you likely haven't set one, or the file has been corrupted or lost.
Method 2: Resetting Your Admin Password (If you have access to the server files)
If you can't find your password and have access to the server's files, you can reset it. This involves editing the configuration file directly.
- Open the relevant configuration file (as described in Method 1).
- Find or add the
ServerAdminPasswordsetting: If it doesn't exist, add a new line. If it does exist, simply change the value after the equals sign to your new password. Remember to enclose the new password in quotation marks. - Save the configuration file: Ensure you save the changes.
- Restart your ARK server: The new password will take effect after the server restarts.
Method 3: Contacting Server Hosting Provider (If Applicable)
If you use a third-party server hosting provider, they usually have tools or support options to help reset your admin password. Consult their support documentation or contact their customer support team directly. They will likely be able to help you regain access to your server.
Preventing Future Password Problems
To avoid future frustration, consider these best practices:
- Use a strong password: A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes it difficult to crack.
- Store your password securely: Keep a record of your admin password in a safe and private place.
- Regularly back up your server files: This ensures you can recover your data if something goes wrong.
- Consider using a password manager: Password managers can help you generate and manage strong passwords securely.
By following these steps, you should be able to recover or reset your ARK PC admin password and regain control of your server. Remember to always be cautious when modifying server files and back up your data regularly. Good luck!
