💻 Windows VPS (Server 2022) Setup – Full Guide

This guide walks you through installing the old Strange Bot on a fresh Windows Server 2022 VPS, covering installation, firewall configuration, and background process setup. Follow each step exactly — no prior experience needed.

1. Install Node.js (LTS version)

   Go to nodejs.org and download the LTS version. Run the installer and make sure "Add to PATH" is checked.

2. Install Git

   Download Git for Windows from git-scm.com. Use all the default install options.

3. Download and Set Up the Bot

   git clone https://github.com/saiteja-madha/discord-js-bot.git cd discord-js-bot npm install

4. Setting up the config (LTS version)

   Rename .env.example to .env and edit both .env and config.js:

   • Bot token
   • Prefix
   • Owner ID (optional)
5. Open Required Firewall Ports

   Windows Server may block outbound traffic. Follow these steps to allow Node.js:

   • Search "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security"
   • Click Inbound Rules → New Rule
   • Choose Program → browse to C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe
   • Allow the connection → Apply to all (Domain, Private, Public)
   • Give it a name like "Node.js Bo" and click Finish

   🔒 This ensures your bot can respond to Discords's gateway.

6. Install the dependencies

   In PowerShell or CMD, from your bot folder:

   npm i

   ✅ If everything's set up, proceed to step 7

7. Run the Bot

   In PowerShell or CMD, from your bot folder:

   node index.js

   ✅ If everything's set up, you’ll see your bot come online in Discord.

8. Keep It Online with PM2 (Optional but Recommended)

   npm install -g pm2 pm2 start index.js pm2 save pm2 startup

   💡 This makes sure your bot auto-starts if the VPS reboots.

9. Extra Tips
   • Never share your token — keep it in a .env file or safe config
   • Restart with pm2 restart index
   • Check logs using pm2 logs
   • Stop the bot: pm2 stop index