How to Create a Minecraft Server (Vanilla)

General Information

This is a step by step instruction guide to creating a Minecraft Server (Vanilla). (Vanilla means with no addons, mods, or other custom software, its a plain server)

Required Software

Windows XP or higher

Access to your router

Minecraft Server Software
How To

1. Download required software.
2. Create a New Folder and rename it to "Minecraft Server" and place it where you want your server files to be located EG. "C:\Program Files\Minecraft Server"
3. Move the Minecraft_Server.exe you downloaded into the "Minecraft Server" folder you created and run it. This will create several files within this folder

4.  Now with your Minecraft server still running launch Minecraft and attempt to connect to your server with the following IP: 127.0.0.1:25565 if you are unable to connect using this IP do the following:

- Go to your Network and Sharing Center (Type network in your start menu)

- On the left hand side click "Change Adapter Settings" and right click your "Local Area Connection" and select "Status"  then click "Details" and record your IPv4 Address It will start with 192.168.X.X

- Type the IP address you recorded into the multiplayer connect in Minecraft EG. 192.168.1.101:25565

5.  Congratulations! You are now connected to your Minecraft Server to have others connect over the internet visit http://www.whatsmyip.org/ and copy your IP address at the top, this is the IP you give other people to connect to your server. 

6.  To give yourself  or anyone else OP (Administrator privileges) go to your Minecraft Server folder and open the ops files with notepad. Add the usernames of anyone you wish to have admin privileges and save and restart your server (close and reopen). For a list of admin commands go here.

Troubleshooting

If people are unable to connect to your server you must log into your router and open your port for minecraft (Default 25565) to do this

- Open up your internet browser windows and type 192.168.1.1

- A login window should open up if you do not know your login information ask someone who does or try: 

Username: admin

Password: admin

- Add UDP and TCP port 25565 to 25565 and click save then restart the server.