OS reinstallation: what you need to know

Summary

Reinstalling the OS on a VPS or dedicated server deletes all data on the disk. Back up before reinstalling. Reinstallation is free and available through the client panel or support.

Applies to:
✔ VPS
✔ Dedicated servers

What will be deleted

• All files on the disk
• All databases
• All software settings
• SSH keys and passwords
• SSL certificates
• Crontab jobs

OS reinstallation is irreversible. All data on the server will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

Preparation: backup

Before reinstalling, save:

1. Website files:

   tar czf /tmp/sites-backup.tar.gz /var/www/

2. Databases:

   mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > /tmp/all-databases.sql

3. Configurations:

   tar czf /tmp/configs.tar.gz /etc/nginx/ /etc/apache2/ /etc/mysql/ /etc/php/

4. List of installed packages:

   dpkg --get-selections > /tmp/packages.list

Copy backups to another server or local computer:

scp /tmp/*.tar.gz /tmp/*.sql /tmp/*.list user@OTHER_SERVER:/backup/

Reinstallation via client panel (VPS)

1. Log in to the client panel
2. Select the VPS
3. Click "Reinstall OS"
4. Choose the operating system and version
5. Confirm reinstallation

The process takes a few minutes. After completion, you will receive a new root password.

Reinstallation via support

For dedicated servers or if a custom configuration is needed: open a support ticket specifying the desired OS.

After reinstallation

1. Connect via SSH with the new password
2. Update the system:

   apt update && apt upgrade -y

3. Install required software
4. Restore data from backup
5. Configure the firewall
6. Update SSH keys (if used)

Licenses

Windows Server: the trial period restarts upon reinstallation. A license is required for permanent use.

ISPmanager: the license is tied to the IP, OS reinstallation does not affect it.

Verification

ssh root@SERVER_IP

cat /etc/os-release

Verify that the correct OS is installed.

If the server is unreachable or problems occur after reinstallation, open a support ticket.