# Fresh Install on Servinga-VPS: Failed to start the VPN-Server

**URL:** <https://forum.pritunl.com/t/fresh-install-on-servinga-vps-failed-to-start-the-vpn-server/3835>\
**Category:** Pritunl VPN\
**Created:** [August 9, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/fresh-install-on-servinga-vps-failed-to-start-the-vpn-server/3835 "2026-08-09T19:13:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Angus.MacGyver](https://forum.pritunl.com/user_avatar/forum.pritunl.com/angus.macgyver/32/1535_2.png) [@Angus.MacGyver](https://forum.pritunl.com/u/Angus.MacGyver)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/fresh-install-on-servinga-vps-failed-to-start-the-vpn-server/3835/1 "2026-08-09T19:13:27Z")

</div>

Hi all,

I just installed Pritunl VPN on a fresh Servinga-VPS.  
Unfortunately the VPN-Server of Pritunl will not start with Error “Failed to start the server, server error occurred.”

I also tried different Server- and Organisation-Names including the mentioned “server” / “users”; but it still doesn`t work.

Log:

```auto
[local][2026-08-09 14:41:01,674][INFO] Starting setup server
[local][2026-08-09 14:41:01,676][INFO] Generating setup server ssl cert
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 15:33:42,556][INFO] Starting server
  version = "1.34.4681.89"
  python_version = "3.12.13 (main, Jul 8 2026, 12:24:28) [GCC 11.5.0 20240719 (Red Hat 11.5.0-14)]"
  ssl_version = "OpenSSL 3.5.5 27 Jan 2026"
  selinux_context = "none"
  web_auth_strict = true
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 15:33:42,556][INFO] Generating server certificate...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:41,862][INFO] Parsing account key...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:41,869][INFO] Parsing CSR...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:41,876][INFO] Found domains: ch.vpn.pbhosting.eu
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:41,877][INFO] Getting directory...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:42,299][INFO] Directory found!
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:42,299][INFO] Registering account...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:43,292][INFO] Registered!
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:43,292][INFO] Creating new order...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:44,240][INFO] Order created!
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:44,665][INFO] Verifying ch.vpn.pbhosting.eu...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:48,437][INFO] ch.vpn.pbhosting.eu verified!
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:48,437][INFO] Signing certificate...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:51,505][INFO] Certificate signed!
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:51,508][INFO] Settings changed, restarting server...
  ssl_changed = false
  cert_changed = true
  key_changed = true
  port_changed = false
  redirect_server_changed = false
  reverse_proxy_changed = false
  admin_api_auth_changed = false
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:53,278][INFO] Server restarting...
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:26:53,281][INFO] Starting server
  version = "1.34.4681.89"
  python_version = "3.12.13 (main, Jul 8 2026, 12:24:28) [GCC 11.5.0 20240719 (Red Hat 11.5.0-14)]"
  ssl_version = "OpenSSL 3.5.5 27 Jan 2026"
  selinux_context = "none"
  web_auth_strict = true
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:34:12,949][WARNING] Tried to run assign_ip_pool task queue but server is no longer available
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:34:12,954][WARNING] Tried to run assign_ip_pool complete queue but server is no longer available
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:35:34,055][INFO] Starting vpn server
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78c87651d7e2d2f7baf1de"
  instances = []
  instances_count = 0
  route_count = 2
  network = "10.126.56.0/22"
  network6 = "fd00:a7e3:800::/64"
  ovpn_dco = false
  dynamic_firewall = false
  bypass_sso_auth = false
  geo_sort = false
  force_connect = false
  sso_auth = false
  route_dns = false
  device_auth = false
  host_id = "1aaac227f3864cd5aa6f378c7ceb96ae"
  host_address = "94.247.42.159"
  host_address6 = "2a0b:7140:4:1:5054:ff:fe59:6f8"
  host_networks = ["94.247.42.0/24"]
  cur_timestamp = "2026-08-09 18:35:34.055507"
  libipt = false
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:35:34,119][ERROR] Server error occurred while running
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 224, in check_output_logged
    raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(
subprocess.CalledProcessError: Command '['ipset', 'create', '6a78c87651d7e2d2f7baf1de_or', 'hash:net', 'family', 'inet']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78c87651d7e2d2f7baf1de"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:35:34,124][ERROR] Popen returned error exit code
  cmd = ["ipset", "create", "6a78c87651d7e2d2f7baf1de_or", "hash:net", "family", "inet"]
  return_code = 1
Process stderr:
  ipset v7.22: Kernel error received: Invalid argument
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1032, in _bootstrap
    self._bootstrap_inner()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1075, in _bootstrap_inner
    self.run()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1012, in run
    self._target(*self._args, **self._kwargs)
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 217, in check_output_logged
    logger.error('Popen returned error exit code', 'utils',
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/logger/ __init__.py", line 55, in error
    kwargs['traceback'] = traceback.format_stack()
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:36:03,670][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:36:03,670][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:37:52,991][INFO] Starting vpn server
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78c90051d7e2d2f7baf243"
  instances = []
  instances_count = 0
  route_count = 2
  network = "10.126.56.0/22"
  network6 = "fd00:a7e3:800::/64"
  ovpn_dco = false
  dynamic_firewall = false
  bypass_sso_auth = false
  geo_sort = false
  force_connect = false
  sso_auth = false
  route_dns = false
  device_auth = false
  host_id = "1aaac227f3864cd5aa6f378c7ceb96ae"
  host_address = "94.247.42.159"
  host_address6 = "2a0b:7140:4:1:5054:ff:fe59:6f8"
  host_networks = ["94.247.42.0/24"]
  cur_timestamp = "2026-08-09 18:37:52.991704"
  libipt = false
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:37:53,010][ERROR] Server error occurred while running
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 224, in check_output_logged
    raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(
subprocess.CalledProcessError: Command '['ipset', 'create', '6a78c90051d7e2d2f7baf243_or', 'hash:net', 'family', 'inet']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78c90051d7e2d2f7baf243"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:37:53,011][ERROR] Popen returned error exit code
  cmd = ["ipset", "create", "6a78c90051d7e2d2f7baf243_or", "hash:net", "family", "inet"]
  return_code = 1
Process stderr:
  ipset v7.22: Kernel error received: Invalid argument
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1032, in _bootstrap
    self._bootstrap_inner()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1075, in _bootstrap_inner
    self.run()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1012, in run
    self._target(*self._args, **self._kwargs)
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 217, in check_output_logged
    logger.error('Popen returned error exit code', 'utils',
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/logger/ __init__.py", line 55, in error
    kwargs['traceback'] = traceback.format_stack()
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:38:22,613][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:38:22,613][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:39:18,812][INFO] Starting vpn server
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78c95651d7e2d2f7baf283"
  instances = []
  instances_count = 0
  route_count = 2
  network = "10.126.56.0/22"
  network6 = "fd00:a7e3:800::/64"
  ovpn_dco = false
  dynamic_firewall = false
  bypass_sso_auth = false
  geo_sort = false
  force_connect = false
  sso_auth = false
  route_dns = false
  device_auth = false
  host_id = "1aaac227f3864cd5aa6f378c7ceb96ae"
  host_address = "94.247.42.159"
  host_address6 = "2a0b:7140:4:1:5054:ff:fe59:6f8"
  host_networks = ["94.247.42.0/24"]
  cur_timestamp = "2026-08-09 18:39:18.812667"
  libipt = false
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:39:18,831][ERROR] Server error occurred while running
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 224, in check_output_logged
    raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(
subprocess.CalledProcessError: Command '['ipset', 'create', '6a78c95651d7e2d2f7baf283_or', 'hash:net', 'family', 'inet']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78c95651d7e2d2f7baf283"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:39:18,832][ERROR] Popen returned error exit code
  cmd = ["ipset", "create", "6a78c95651d7e2d2f7baf283_or", "hash:net", "family", "inet"]
  return_code = 1
Process stderr:
  ipset v7.22: Kernel error received: Invalid argument
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1032, in _bootstrap
    self._bootstrap_inner()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1075, in _bootstrap_inner
    self.run()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1012, in run
    self._target(*self._args, **self._kwargs)
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 217, in check_output_logged
    logger.error('Popen returned error exit code', 'utils',
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/logger/ __init__.py", line 55, in error
    kwargs['traceback'] = traceback.format_stack()
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:39:48,436][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:39:48,436][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:42:55,540][INFO] Starting vpn server
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78ca2f51d7e2d2f7baf31b"
  instances = []
  instances_count = 0
  route_count = 2
  network = "10.126.56.0/22"
  network6 = "fd00:a7e3:800::/64"
  ovpn_dco = false
  dynamic_firewall = false
  bypass_sso_auth = false
  geo_sort = false
  force_connect = false
  sso_auth = false
  route_dns = false
  device_auth = false
  host_id = "1aaac227f3864cd5aa6f378c7ceb96ae"
  host_address = "94.247.42.159"
  host_address6 = "2a0b:7140:4:1:5054:ff:fe59:6f8"
  host_networks = ["94.247.42.0/24"]
  cur_timestamp = "2026-08-09 18:42:55.540294"
  libipt = false
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:42:55,576][ERROR] Server error occurred while running
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 224, in check_output_logged
    raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(
subprocess.CalledProcessError: Command '['ipset', 'create', '6a78ca2f51d7e2d2f7baf31b_or', 'hash:net', 'family', 'inet']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
  server_id = "6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153"
  instance_id = "6a78ca2f51d7e2d2f7baf31b"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:42:55,580][ERROR] Popen returned error exit code
  cmd = ["ipset", "create", "6a78ca2f51d7e2d2f7baf31b_or", "hash:net", "family", "inet"]
  return_code = 1
Process stderr:
  ipset v7.22: Kernel error received: Invalid argument
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1032, in _bootstrap
    self._bootstrap_inner()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1075, in _bootstrap_inner
    self.run()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1012, in run
    self._target(*self._args, **self._kwargs)
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 217, in check_output_logged
    logger.error('Popen returned error exit code', 'utils',
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/logger/ __init__.py", line 55, in error
    kwargs['traceback'] = traceback.format_stack()
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:43:25,157][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:43:25,157][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78c82251d7e2d2f7baf153')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:44:18,451][INFO] Starting vpn server
  server_id = "6a78ca6e51d7e2d2f7baf34d"
  instance_id = "6a78ca8251d7e2d2f7baf370"
  instances = []
  instances_count = 0
  route_count = 2
  network = "10.68.144.0/22"
  network6 = "fd00:a449::/64"
  ovpn_dco = false
  dynamic_firewall = false
  bypass_sso_auth = false
  geo_sort = false
  force_connect = false
  sso_auth = false
  route_dns = false
  device_auth = false
  host_id = "1aaac227f3864cd5aa6f378c7ceb96ae"
  host_address = "94.247.42.159"
  host_address6 = "2a0b:7140:4:1:5054:ff:fe59:6f8"
  host_networks = ["94.247.42.0/24"]
  cur_timestamp = "2026-08-09 18:44:18.451586"
  libipt = false
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:44:18,509][ERROR] Server error occurred while running
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 224, in check_output_logged
    raise subprocess.CalledProcessError(
subprocess.CalledProcessError: Command '['ipset', 'create', '6a78ca8251d7e2d2f7baf370_or', 'hash:net', 'family', 'inet']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
  server_id = "6a78ca6e51d7e2d2f7baf34d"
  instance_id = "6a78ca8251d7e2d2f7baf370"
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:44:18,515][ERROR] Popen returned error exit code
  cmd = ["ipset", "create", "6a78ca8251d7e2d2f7baf370_or", "hash:net", "family", "inet"]
  return_code = 1
Process stderr:
  ipset v7.22: Kernel error received: Invalid argument
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1032, in _bootstrap
    self._bootstrap_inner()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1075, in _bootstrap_inner
    self.run()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/threading.py", line 1012, in run
    self._target(*self._args, **self._kwargs)
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 1910, in _run_thread
    self.generate_iptables_rules()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/instance.py", line 872, in generate_iptables_rules
    self.iptables.generate()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1270, in generate
    self._generate_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 219, in _generate_sets
    self._create_sets()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/iptables.py", line 1493, in _create_sets
    utils.check_output_logged(
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/utils/misc.py", line 217, in check_output_logged
    logger.error('Popen returned error exit code', 'utils',
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/logger/ __init__.py", line 55, in error
    kwargs['traceback'] = traceback.format_stack()
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:44:48,079][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78ca6e51d7e2d2f7baf34d/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78ca6e51d7e2d2f7baf34d')}
[helium-4956][2026-08-09 18:44:48,079][ERROR] Exception on /server/6a78ca6e51d7e2d2f7baf34d/operation/start [PUT]
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 1511, in wsgi_app
    response = self.full_dispatch_request()
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 919, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.handle_user_exception(e)
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 917, in full_dispatch_request
    rv = self.dispatch_request()
         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/flask/app.py", line 902, in dispatch_request
    return self.ensure_sync(self.view_functions[rule.endpoint])(**view_args) # type: ignore[no-any-return]
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/auth/app.py", line 10, in _wrapped
    return call(*args, **kwargs)
           ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/handlers/server.py", line 1530, in server_operation_put
    svr.start()
  File "/usr/lib/pritunl/usr/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pritunl/server/server.py", line 1802, in start
    raise ServerStartError('Server start timed out', {
pritunl.exceptions.ServerStartError: Server start timed out. {'server_id': ObjectId('6a78ca6e51d7e2d2f7baf34d')}

```

Settings:

 ![2026-08-09_211105](https://forum-static.pritunl.com/original/2X/7/74ea8f61910c1a32f1cdb1bb42fb21c153a69c43.jpeg)

Network-Information of Servinga-VPS:

 ![2026-08-09_211222](https://forum-static.pritunl.com/original/2X/a/af6796fe78ef9482f5f325ced97cc515d7d1b5c9.jpeg)

Any hints or suggestions?

Best regards,  
MacGyver

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![zach](https://forum.pritunl.com/user_avatar/forum.pritunl.com/zach/32/1105_2.png) [@zach](https://forum.pritunl.com/u/zach)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/fresh-install-on-servinga-vps-failed-to-start-the-vpn-server/3835/2 "2026-08-09T21:51:53Z")

</div>

Run `sudo dnf install kernel-modules-extra` or `sudo apt install linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r)`. This may require a reboot if the installed kernel doesn’t match the latest one.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Angus.MacGyver](https://forum.pritunl.com/user_avatar/forum.pritunl.com/angus.macgyver/32/1535_2.png) [@Angus.MacGyver](https://forum.pritunl.com/u/Angus.MacGyver)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://forum.pritunl.com/t/fresh-install-on-servinga-vps-failed-to-start-the-vpn-server/3835/3 "2026-08-09T23:21:43Z")

</div>

@zach Thank you for your remark.  
Unfortunately I have general issues with the VPS at provider Servinga: A reboot of the server fails due to (according boot in VNC-Console) a unified cdrom-driver. Unfortunately there are no cdrom-Options on their Management-Portal as well as there are no easy settings possible to change the boot-order.

I therefore will change the VPS-Provider.  
Unfortunately - what a lucky guy I am - new problems over there; wil post a new thread shortly.