Error: Error parsing script … <1>

When starting an escrow-protected resource, you may see an error like this in the server console (or client F8 console):

[script:rhud] Error parsing script @rhud/script/client.lua in resource rhud: @rhud/script/client.lua:1: syntax error near '<\1>'
[c-scripting-core] Failed to load script script/client.lua.

Causes and Solutions

1. Outdated Server Artifacts

   This error commonly occurs when the server is running artifact builds that don't support the latest escrow encryption.

   Solution

   • Update to latest artifacts: Upgrade your server artifacts to the latest build.¹
   • Full restart after update: Stop the server completely, replace artifacts, then start it again. Don't hot-restart.
   • Managed hosts: If using txAdmin/ZAP-Hosting or similar, use their panel to install the latest artifacts.

2. Corrupted or Partial Upload

   If the resource was uploaded file-by-file, or via an unreliable FTP client, encrypted files may be corrupted - leading to a parser error on line 1.

   Solution

   • Upload the ZIP and extract on the server: Transfer the resource archive to your VPS and extract it there to avoid missed files.
   • Avoid problematic FTP clients: Some clients (e.g., FileZilla with default settings) may corrupt or skip files. Prefer WinSCP or another reliable client.
   • Re-download a clean copy: Download the resource again from the Cfx.re Portal in case the previous download was corrupted.

3. Modified or Missing Escrowed Files

   Editing, removing, or otherwise altering escrow-protected files can cause parsing to fail immediately.

   Solution

   • Do not edit protected files: Restore the resource to its original state.
   • Reinstall the resource: Delete the existing folder and re-upload a fresh copy from the official source to ensure integrity.

4. Restart Requirements

   After updating artifacts or re-uploading the resource, the running server process may still have old state.

   Solution

   Perform a full server restart after any changes (artifact updates, re-uploads, or configuration edits).