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Reinstalling gives you a clean server with a fresh copy of the operating system you choose. It’s useful if something has gone badly wrong, or you want to switch to a different Linux version.
Reinstalling permanently deletes everything on the server: files, websites, databases and settings. It can’t be undone. Copy anything you want to keep off the server first, or take a snapshot from the Snapshots tab.
1

Open the server panel

In the Client Area, click Services in the top menu (page: My Products & Services), then open your VPS.
2

Open the Reinstall tab

Click the Reinstall tab. You’ll see a message that reinstall protection is on.
The Reinstall tab, showing that reinstall protection is on, a warning that reinstalling wipes all data, and the image choices
3

Turn off reinstall protection

Click the unlock button next to the reinstall protection message. Protection stops a reinstall from happening by mistake.
4

Choose an image

Under Choose an image, pick the operating system, such as Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux or Fedora. If you’re not sure, choose the newest Ubuntu LTS version.
5

Add an SSH key (optional)

Paste your public SSH key if you want to log in with a key instead of a password. See First steps to secure a new VPS.
6

Add Cloud-Init (optional, advanced)

Cloud-Init lets you run setup commands automatically on first boot. Leave it empty unless you know you need it.
7

Start the reinstall

Confirm the reinstall. It usually takes a few minutes. The server panel shows the status.

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After the reinstall

  • Your server keeps the same IP address.
  • Log in as root. If you don’t have the new password, open the Overview tab and use Reset Password under Root Credentials.
  • Your computer may warn that the server’s identity has changed the next time you connect with SSH. That’s expected after a reinstall. Remove the old entry with ssh-keygen -R 203.0.113.10 (use your server’s IP), then connect again.
  • Secure the new system again. See First steps to secure a new VPS.
Still stuck? Open a ticket with your server’s IP address.