Quick answer: If your service page in the Client Area shows a reinstall/rebuild OS option, choose the new operating system there and confirm — the VPS is wiped and redeployed in minutes. If your plan has no reinstall button, open a ticket and we'll reinstall it for you. Everything on the disk is erased, so back up first.
Overview
Reinstalling gives you a clean OS — useful after experiments gone wrong, a suspected compromise, or when switching distributions (say, Ubuntu to AlmaLinux). The server keeps its IP addresses and plan resources; only the disk contents change.
Before you start
- A backup of everything you need — files, databases, configs. A reinstall is irreversible (see backing up with rsync).
- Choice of new OS: Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux/Rocky, or Windows Server where offered.
- A note of DNS or applications that must be restored afterwards.
Step-by-step guide
- Back up your data off the server (rsync/scp to another machine or a Storage VPS).
- Open the service page; use the reinstall/rebuild option if it is shown — pick the OS template and confirm. Otherwise open a ticket stating the desired OS.
- Wait for completion (typically minutes for a VPS/VDS).
- Get the new root/Administrator password from the service page.
- Clear the old SSH host key and reconnect:
ssh-keygen -R 203.0.113.10 ssh [email protected] - Run the post-deployment security checklist again.
Common issues
- SSH warns about a changed host key? Expected — the reinstalled OS generated new keys; remove the old entry as above.
- Old password doesn't work? A reinstall issues a new password — always take it from the service page afterwards.
- Realized data was lost? A VPS reinstall wipes the virtual disk; recovery isn't possible — restore from your backups.
When to contact support
If the reinstall never finishes, the OS you need isn't in the template list, or your plan has no reinstall button, open a support ticket with the service hostname and desired OS.
Frequently asked questions
Does a reinstall delete my data?
Yes — reinstalling the operating system wipes the entire virtual disk and deploys a fresh OS, so files, databases and configs are gone for good. Back up everything you need before you confirm it.
Do my IP addresses change after a reinstall?
No — an OS reinstall replaces only the contents of the disk. Your service keeps the same dedicated IP, any assigned extra IPs and all plan resources, so DNS records keep working unchanged.
Can I switch from Linux to Windows or vice versa?
Yes, where the OS template is offered for your plan. If the template you need is not listed, open a ticket.
Related articles
- How to reset VPS root password
- How to secure your VPS after deployment
- How to back up a Linux server with rsync
- First steps after your server is deployed
Need a hand? Contact Cloud2Y support →
