How do I reset a dedicated VPS server?

Procédure

Resetting a VPS allows you to start again with a fresh installation of the operating system or the chosen template. This action is useful if you want to reset the server to zero, correct a configuration that has become too degraded, or start again from a clean base.

This procedure is done from your LWS client area. [PERSON_NAME], HestiaCP or from the server via SSH.

Before you begin

Before reinstalling your VPS, make sure [PERSON_NAME] preserved.

You should especially plan for a recent backup of your files, databases, sites, applications, and important configurations. If you use a panel such as ISPConfig, HestiaCP, or Plesk, also remember to note down the access details, created accounts, configured domains, SSL certificates, and specific settings that you will need to restore after installation.

Reinstall the VPS from the LWS client area

1. From your LWS client area, access the management of your VPS server.
2. In the Advanced administration section, click OS Reinstallation.
   
3. A window titled Change operating system opens. The currently installed system is displayed in the Current operating system field.
   
4. In the Change operating system field, select the system or template to install.

For a simple reset, choose the same system or the same template as the one currently installed.
If you select another system or another template, your VPS will be reinstalled with this new environment.

5. To confirm the action, enter the requested word in the confirmation field. In the interface, [ADDRESS] :

reinstallation

6. Then click Validate.

Check that the reinstallation is complete

After validation, your VPS may appear with the status The server is being installed. This status indicates that the reinstallation is in progress.

When the installation is complete, the server should return to the status The server is on. The system or template shown on the VPS line must match the one you chose.

You can then check access to the server according to the installed environment:

• for a system only, [PERSON_NAME] SSH access;
• for a template with panel, open the relevant panel and check [PERSON_NAME] login page is displayed;
• if you restore a site or an application, [PERSON_NAME] that the files, databases, domains, and certificates are properly restored.

Common issues

[PERSON_NAME] desired template

The list offered depends on the systems and templates available for your VPS plan. If an old template [PERSON_NAME] incompatible, select another compatible system or use a newer version [PERSON_NAME]>

The server remains in installation

Installation can take several minutes depending on the system or template chosen. Wait and refresh the VPS management page. If the status does not change after an unusually long delay, check [PERSON_NAME]>

My site no longer works after reinstallation

This is normal if the site has not yet been restored. Reinstallation deletes the previous files, databases, certificates, and configurations. You must restore your data and reconfigure the necessary services before the site can work again.

I can no longer access my old panel

After a reinstallation, [PERSON_NAME] panel no longer exists unless you chose the same template or reinstalled it manually. Check the system or template installed on your VPS, then use the new access details provided or generated after installation.

A certificate warning appears when I open ISPConfig or HestiaCP

After several reinstallation attempts in a short period, Let’s Encrypt may temporarily refuse to create a new certificate. In this case, the panel may work with a self-signed certificate, which causes a security warning in the browser.

This does not necessarily mean that the panel is improperly installed. You need to wait until the temporary limitation indicated by Let’s Encrypt is lifted, [PERSON_NAME] certificate.

If your VPS is unmanaged, this restart must be done by you from the server or the relevant panel.
If your VPS is managed, you can open a technical ticket with LWS support so that a VPS technician can perform the action.

[tips_related_readings]  

• How do I create and restore a snapshot on VPS?
• How do I back up and restore data on an ISP Config VPS server?

/tips