How do I reset a dedicated VPS server?

Procédure

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

This procedure is carried out from your LWS customer area. It is not launched from ISPConfig, HestiaCP or from the server via SSH.

Before you begin

Before reinstalling your VPS, make sure you have retrieved everything that needs to be kept.

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

Reinstall the VPS from the LWS customer area

1. From your LWS customer area, go to 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, you are asked to type:

reinstallation

6. Then click Validate.

Check that reinstallation is complete

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

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

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

• for a standalone system, test SSH access;
• for a template with panel, open the relevant panel and check that the login page is displayed;
• if you restore a site or application, then check that the files, databases, domains and certificates have been properly restored.

Common issues

I can't see the system or template I want

The proposed list depends on the systems and templates available for your VPS plan. If an older template appears as unavailable or incompatible, select another compatible system or use a newer version when it is offered.

The server remains in installation

Installation may 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 time, check whether an error message appears in the server management.

My website no longer works after reinstallation

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

I can no longer access my old panel

After a reinstallation, the old 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 reinstalls in quick succession, 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 incorrectly installed. You must wait until the temporary limitation indicated by Let's Encrypt is lifted, then manually restart the certificate setup.

If your VPS is unmanaged, this restart must be carried out 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 carry out the action.

[tips_related_readings]  

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

/tips