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How to Install ESX Framework

Installing ESX Legacy

This guide covers installing ESX Legacy using txAdmin — the recommended method for deploying a stable FiveM server with the ESX framework.

What is ESX Legacy?
ESX Legacy is the official, actively maintained version of the ESX framework. It provides a complete roleplay foundation including jobs, inventory, housing, and banking systems.

Before You Begin

Ensure you have the following ready:

RequirementDetails
cfx.re AccountRequired for server registration and license keys. Create one →
MariaDBESX requires a MySQL-compatible database. Download MariaDB →
Windows PC or ServerThis guide covers Windows installation
~10 GB free disk spaceFor server artifacts, resources, and database files
⚠️

Do not use XAMPP. It is outdated, unstable for production servers, and has been known to cause data loss. Use MariaDB only.

Step 1: Download Server Artifacts

Server artifacts are the core files that power your FiveM server.

  1. Go to artifacts.jgscripts.com Artifacts download page preview
  2. Click Windows to automatically download the latest recommended artifacts Windows download button
  3. Extract the archive to a permanent location
    Recommended: C:\FiveM Server\ or Documents\FiveM Server Extracting server files
⚠️

Choose your server location carefully. Moving the folder later requires updating multiple absolute paths in server.cfg and txAdmin.

Step 2: Run Initial Setup

  1. Open your extracted server folder and locate FXServer.exe FXServer executable location
  2. Run FXServer.exe
    • If your antivirus flags the file, it is a false positive. Add an exception and allow it to run.
  3. A browser tab will open with the txAdmin setup wizard
  4. Click Link Account and sign in with your cfx.re credentials Link cfx.re account
  5. Create a Backup Password in case you are ever logged out of your cfx.re account Backup password creation
  6. Click Next

Step 3: Configure Server Details

  1. Enter your Server Name — this appears publicly in the FiveM server list Server name configuration
  2. For Deployment Type, select Popular Recipes Popular recipes selection
  3. Choose ESX Legacy from the recipe list ESX Legacy recipe card
  4. When prompted for the Resource Path, change the default to a dedicated folder for easier management Recommended resource path edit
  5. Ensure the folder exists at the location you specify before continuing Saving the resource path

txAdmin will not create missing directories automatically. Create the folder beforehand to avoid deployment errors.

Step 4: Connect the Database

ESX stores all player data, inventories, jobs, and vehicles in MariaDB.

  1. Confirm MariaDB is installed and the MySQL service is running
  2. In txAdmin, open the Recipe Deployer Navigate to recipe deployer
  3. Enter your database credentials:
    • Host: localhost
    • Port: 3306
    • User: Your MariaDB username (e.g., root)
    • Password: Your MariaDB password
    • Database: esx_legacy (or your preferred name)

Step 5: Add Your License Key

A valid CFX license key is required for your server to accept connections.

  1. On the Review Recipe page, locate the license key field Review recipe page
  2. Visit portal.cfx.re/servers/registration-keys
  3. Generate a new key and copy it
  4. Paste the key into txAdmin and click Next
🚫

Never share your CFX license key. Keys are tied to your account and server identity. Sharing them violates CFX terms of service and can compromise your server.

Step 6: Deploy

  1. Click Run Recipe to start the automated ESX Legacy deployment
  2. Review the generated server.cfg to adjust max players, server tags, and locale as needed
  3. Click Next to finalize Setup complete screen

Your ESX Legacy server is now installed.

Post-Installation Checklist

  • Start the server and verify it appears in the FiveM server list
  • Join locally via localhost:30120 to test character creation and core features
  • Bookmark your txAdmin URL for ongoing server management
  • Create a dedicated MariaDB user for ESX instead of using root (security best practice)

Troubleshooting

IssueCause & Solution
Antivirus blocks FXServer.exeFalse positive. Add your server folder to antivirus exclusions.
Database connection failedMariaDB service is not running, or credentials are incorrect. Check Windows Services and verify your password.
License key rejectedKey is invalid or belongs to another account. Generate a fresh key at portal.cfx.re.
Recipe deployment failsResource path does not exist, or txAdmin lacks write permissions. Run as administrator if needed.
Server not visible in listInvalid license key, or port 30120 is blocked by Windows Firewall.

Next Steps

Once your server is running, you can:

  • Add Jobs & Gangs — Configure esx_jobs or install compatible job scripts
  • Import Vehicles — Add vehicle packs via esx_vehicleshop or standalone resources
  • Install Addons — Browse housing, phone, and banking scripts from the ESX ecosystem
  • Optimize Performance — Review server.cfg tick rates and monitor resource load order

Need help with a specific ESX addon? Check the dedicated documentation sections for individual resources on this site.

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