Server Operations Manual

Version 0.4.2 Dev: Mark Hughes (NeO) Spartan Edition

Thank you for hosting your own ChatSpace Hub. This document guides you through installation, networking, and security protocols to ensure a stable environment for your community.

1

Initial Setup & Requirements

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows 8/10/11, Linux (Ubuntu/Debian). Note MacOS coming soon.
  • RAM: 8GB Minimum System RAM
  • INTERNET UPLOAD: At least 15 mbp/s for 150+ chatters
  • Knowledge: Basic server concepts (helpful but not essential)

How to Run

  1. Double-click the ChatSpace Server.exe file.
  2. Right click EXE & go to properties & unblock. Please note Server may take up to 30 seconds to open as it generates Files.
  3. Wait for initialization (generates serversettings.txt & Files).
  4. Start Server and the console will confirm when the server is ONLINE.
ChatSpace Server Dashboard
2

Networking & Port Forwarding

For users outside your local WiFi/Network to join, you MUST forward the server port through your router's firewall. Socket.io requires a stable TCP connection.

Required Port
7777
Protocol
TCP/UDP
Service Name
ChatSpace Hub

Windows Firewall Quick-Unblock

If your local Windows Firewall is blocking Port 7777, run this command in Command Prompt (Admin):

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="ChatSpace Port 7777" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=7777
Click here to copy the command

How to Forward (Router)

Log into your router (Usually http://192.168.1.1) Navigate to 'Port Forwarding' or 'Virtual Server' Create New Rule: Port 7777 | Protocol: TCP/UDP | IP: Your Local IP Save and Restart Router
Checking your IP:
LOCAL IP: Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig (Use IPv4).
PUBLIC IP: Visit www.whatismyip.com. Give this IP to your users.
SERVICES TO MASK YOUR IP: Visit https://www.noip.com/.
3

Dashboard & Interface

Control Panel Status

  • GREEN (ONLINE): Everything is working perfectly.
  • RED (OFFLINE): The server is stopped.
  • RED (CONNECTION LOST): UI cannot talk to background service.

Live Management

Incoming Pings: Lets your server let other servers know it's online.
Active Users: Right-click any user in the list to Kick or Ban instantly.

GIPHY API Integration

Enable GIF support in chat:

  1. Get key at GIPHY Support
  2. Paste key into Server Settings Gif box
  3. Settings are automatically saved!
4

Server Configuration Detailed

The Server Settings tab in your dashboard allows you to customize the behavior, visuals, and security of your hub. Changes are saved to serversettings.txt automatically.

Identity & Network

Server Name / MOTD
The name displayed on the application tab and in Hub Talk. Often used for the Message of the Day.
Default Lobby URL
The background website that loads when a user joins. Can be a YouTube embed, a webpage, or an image URL.
Auto-Broadcast Time
If set greater than 0, the server will repost your Welcome Message every X minutes to the chat.
Enable Hub Chat
Allows you to connect to the Master Hub to talk with other Server Owners (Client Mode).

Visuals & Physics

Note: These settings update on connected clients in real-time.

Avatar Size (Pixels)
Controls how large users appear on screen. Default is 120px. Increase for high-res avatars.
Movement Speed (Seconds)
Controls the transition time. Lower (0.3) is snappy/fast, Higher (1.0) is slow/floating. Default is 0.6.
Base Font Size
Adjusts the text size of names and chat bubbles. Useful for accessibility.

Security & Access

Strict IP Mode
Blocks connections from IP ranges often used by VPNs, Proxies, and Hosting Centers (e.g. AWS, DigitalOcean) to prevent ban evasion.
Max Connections per IP
Prevents a single user from flooding the server with "Alt" accounts. Default is 3.
Maintenance Mode
When checked, only usernames listed in admins.txt can log in. All others are blocked.
AFK Kick Timeout
Automatically disconnects users who haven't sent a message in X minutes. Set to 0 to disable.

Media & Features

Enable File Sharing (P2P)
Allows users to right-click others to send files. You can set the Max Upload Size (MB) limit below this setting.
Enable Voice & Video
Toggles WebRTC features. If disabled, users cannot turn on webcams or microphones.
Allow URL Navigation
If disabled, users are locked to the Default Lobby and cannot use the "Go to URL" bar.
5

Troubleshooting (F.A.Q.)

ISSUE: Dashboard says "CONNECTION LOST"

FIX: usually caused by an IPv6 conflict or Database lock.

  • Ensure no other app uses Port 7777.
  • Check admins.txt for corruption. Delete to regenerate.
  • Restart the application.
ISSUE: Users cannot connect from internet

FIX: This is almost always a Firewall/Router issue.

  • Double-check Port Forwarding (7777 TCP/UPD).
  • Run the Firewall Quick-Unblock command in Section 2.
  • Windows Firewall: "Allow" Chatspace Server.exe on Public networks.
ISSUE: "Status Check Failed (Retrying...)"

FIX: Backend engine is under load or SQLite is performing a large write. Wait 10 seconds. If it persists, restart.

ISSUE: Images aren't sending

FIX: Ensure 'Enable File Sharing' is checked in Settings. The Sharp imaging engine needs a moment to process large files.

6

Security & Moderation

Hardware Banning

ChatSpace Pro supports MAC Address banning. If a user bypasses IP bans via VPN, use the "Ban Complex" option in the Dashboard to lock their Hardware ID.

Strict IP Mode

Enable this in settings to block common VPN/Proxy IP ranges from connecting to your hub entirely.

Maintenance Mode

Use while doing upgrades. Only users listed in admins.txt can log in.

7

Virus Safety & Integrity Assurance

At ChatSpace, we prioritize the cryptographic integrity of our software. We understand that server-side executables often trigger scrutiny, and we maintain full transparency regarding our security pipeline.

Multi-Stage Verification

Every build undergoes a rigorous 4-step sanitization process before release:

  • Static Analysis: Code scanned for malicious patterns.
  • Sandbox Testing: Executable run in isolation to monitor registry.
  • VirusTotal Submission: Verified against 70+ antivirus engines.
  • SHA-256 Hashing: Every release includes a unique hash.

Understanding False Positives

Because ChatSpace Server.exe acts as a network listener, some heuristic engines may flag it as a "Generic Risk." This is common for:

  • Software that creates automated network listeners.
  • Unsigned executables from independent developers.
  • Applications that generate local database files (SQLite).
[INTEGRITY REPORT: VERSION 0.4.2]
Status: CLEAN SHA-256: e816cbf42...0355103fbc1f2e (Verified) Malware/Spyware: 0% Detected Remote Access Trojans (RATs): NONE
> View Detailed VirusTotal Scan Report