OS Reinstallation Options Print

This article explains the common methods for reinstalling the operating system on your dedicated server. OS reinstallation is often necessary for major system changes, severe corruption, or starting fresh.

1. Introduction
   • Reinstalling the OS on a dedicated server is a powerful but destructive operation that erases all data on your primary drives. Always ensure you have backups of any critical data before proceeding.
   • Common scenarios for reinstallation:
     • Fresh start for a new project.
     • Switching to a different operating system.
     • Recovering from severe system corruption or malware.
     • Resolving persistent performance or stability issues.
2. Method 1: Automated Reinstallation via ServerHood.com Client Area
   • Description: Many dedicated server providers offer an automated OS reinstallation feature directly in their client management panel. This is usually the easiest and fastest method.
   • Steps (General):
     1. Log in to your ServerHood.com client area.
     2. Navigate to your dedicated server details.
     3. Look for an "OS Reinstall," "Rebuild," or "Install OS" option.
     4. Select your desired operating system (e.g., CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Windows Server).
     5. (Optional) Choose a pre-installed control panel (cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin) if offered.
     6. Confirm the reinstallation. You may be prompted for a new root/administrator password.
     7. The system will automatically download, install, and configure the new OS. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the OS and network speed.
   • Verification: Ping the server after a reasonable time. Try to SSH/RDP in with the new credentials.
3. Method 2: Manual Installation via IPMI/iLO/DRAC (Virtual Media)
   • Description: This method gives you complete control over the installation process, similar to installing an OS on a local PC using a USB drive or DVD. It's done using your server's out-of-band management interface.
   • When to Use:
     • Installing a custom OS version or distribution not offered by ServerHood.com's automated tool.
     • Performing advanced partitioning.
     • Troubleshooting boot issues that prevent automated reinstallation.
   • Steps (General):
     1. Download OS ISO: Download the ISO image file for your desired operating system (e.g., from Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Microsoft).
     2. Access OOB Interface: Log in to your IPMI/iLO/DRAC interface (as per "Accessing Your Dedicated Server Control Panel").
     3. Mount Virtual Media:
        • Navigate to the "Virtual Media," "Remote Media," or "Storage" section.
        • Choose to mount a local ISO file from your computer or provide a direct HTTP/HTTPS URL to the ISO.
     4. Launch Remote Console: Open the remote console.
     5. Configure Boot Order: Restart the server (cold boot if necessary) and enter the BIOS/Boot Menu (usually by pressing DEL, F2, F10, F11, or F12 during boot).
        • Set the boot order to prioritize the virtual CD/DVD drive.
        • Save changes and exit BIOS.
     6. Perform OS Installation: The server will boot from the mounted ISO. Follow the standard installation prompts for your chosen OS.
     7. Unmount Virtual Media: Once the OS is installed and the server reboots (or just before the final reboot), unmount the virtual media to ensure it boots from the hard drive.
     8. Verification: Ping and then SSH/RDP into the newly installed OS.
4. Pre-Reinstallation Checklist:
   • Backups: Is all critical data backed up externally?
   • Credentials: Have you noted down any new root/administrator passwords for the fresh OS?
   • IP Information: Do you have your server's primary IP, subnet, gateway, and DNS servers ready for manual configuration if the OS installer doesn't do it automatically?
   • Time: Allocate sufficient time for the process (usually 30-90 minutes, plus download time).
5. Conclusion
   • OS reinstallation is a powerful tool for dedicated server management. The automated option is generally preferred for ease and speed, while manual installation via IPMI/iLO/DRAC offers maximum control. Always back up your data!