Reinstalling the operating system of your VPS from the client area
PrintRead this first: a reinstall wipes the VPS disk. Files, databases, mailboxes and settings are removed and the server starts again as it was delivered. Only go ahead once everything you need is saved somewhere else.
When a reinstall makes sense
- you want a different operating system, or a free control panel such as CyberPanel or FastPanel;
- the system no longer boots and cannot be repaired from the noVNC console;
- you want a clean start after testing or after an infection.
If the server only stopped answering over SSH, try the noVNC console first. The problem can often be fixed without losing anything.
Backup checklist
- Dump your databases (for example with
mysqldump) and download the dump files. - Copy the website and application files to your computer or to another server.
- Save the configuration files you changed: web server, firewall, cron jobs.
- Write down which software and versions you run, so you can set them up the same way again.
TopHost takes snapshots of each VPS once or twice a week and keeps them in a 7-day rotation. They are a safety net, but a snapshot may miss the changes of the last few days, so keep your own copy as well.
Running the reinstall
- Open Services in the client area and select the VPS.
- Choose the reinstall option in the server panel.
- Pick the operating system or template from the list.
- Confirm. It usually takes a few minutes; do not stop the server meanwhile.
- Log in with the new access details and change the password straight away with
passwd. - Install updates, set up security again, then restore your saved data.
Your options
- Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian or AlmaLinux. The exact list is the one the panel shows during the reinstall.
- A free control panel: CyberPanel or FastPanel, if you want to run websites and mail from a web interface.
- Licensed panels such as cPanel are paid for separately.
Questions
Can data be brought back after a reinstall?
Only from a copy made beforehand. If you saved nothing, open a ticket as soon as possible and we will check whether a recent snapshot of the server exists.
Will my IP address change?
The reinstall replaces the operating system, not the service, so the IP address normally stays the same. If you see a different one afterwards, tell us in a ticket.
I have VPS Pro. Can your team do the reinstall?
Yes, ask through a ticket. Setting up the server to your requirements is part of the administration included with VPS Pro.
