> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.up-network.ch/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.up-network.ch/documentation/guides/reinstalling-the-operating-system.md).

# Reinstalling the Operating System

## **Reinstalling the Operating System (VMmanager 6)**

Reinstalling the operating system allows you to reset your VPS or Dedicated Server to a clean state.\
UP-NETWORK uses **VMmanager 6**, which provides a safe, automated OS reinstallation workflow.

This guide explains how to access the reinstall interface, choose an OS template, configure SSH keys, and start the reinstall process.

***

### **1. Before You Start**

#### ✔ Reinstalling the OS will:

* Delete all data on the server
* reset all partitions & network configs
* reinstall the selected OS template
* generate a new root/admin password (if applicable)

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### ❗ Make sure to:

* Backup your data **before reinstalling**
* Remove encryption or custom bootloaders
* Save your IPv6 configuration if you use it
  {% endhint %}

***

## **2. Accessing the Reinstall Page**

#### **VPS**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Access via VPS dashboard

Go to your dashboard:\
[https://vps.upn.li](https://vps.upn.li/)

Select your VPS, open the left menu, and click **Reinstall OS**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

#### **Dedicated Server**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Access via UP-NETWORK customer area

Go to the UP-NETWORK customer area, open your dedicated server, click **Manage in VMmanager**, then click **Reinstall OS**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## **3. Choosing an OS Template**

VMmanager 6 displays all OS templates available for your service.

#### Available categories may include:

* **Linux**: Debian, Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, Rocky, CentOS Stream
* **Windows Server**
* **BSD** (FreeBSD, pfSense, etc.)
* **Custom ISO** (if enabled by support)
* **Cloud-Init enabled images**

Each OS template comes with:

* Version (example: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
* Architecture (x86\_64)
* Cloud-Init support (if included)
* Optional SSH key injection

Choose the template you want to install.

***

## **4. Setting Up Access Credentials**

According to VMmanager 6 standards:

#### A. Using a root/admin password

VMmanager can generate a new password automatically.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Check **“Set password”**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter your desired password
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Leave blank to auto-generate (the new password will be shown after installation)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

#### B. Using an SSH Key (recommended)

VMmanager 6 supports SSH key injection via Cloud-Init.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Tick **“Use SSH key”**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Paste your public key (format: `ssh-ed25519 ...` or `ssh-rsa ...`)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
VMmanager will add it automatically to `/root/.ssh/authorized_keys`
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

This is the most secure method.

***

## **5. Optional — Custom Disk Partitioning**

Depending on the OS template, VMmanager 6 may allow:

* Automatic partitioning
* Custom disk layout
* LVM or ext4 selection
* Encryption (if template supports it)

UP-NETWORK defaults to:

* **ext4**
* Automatic partitioning
* Recommended layout for SSD/NVMe

***

## **6. Starting the Reinstallation**

When all settings are ready:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Click **“Reinstall”**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Confirm — VMmanager will ask to confirm data loss.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The server will reboot into ISO / deployment mode
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Installation begins automatically
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## **7. Installation Duration**

Typical install times:

| OS              | Time                 |
| --------------- | -------------------- |
| Debian/Ubuntu   | 30–60 seconds        |
| AlmaLinux/Rocky | 1–2 minutes          |
| Windows Server  | 5–10 minutes         |
| Custom ISO      | depends on installer |

The VMmanager panel will show the installation progress and status.

***

## **8. Retrieving Your New Login Credentials**

After installation, VMmanager displays:

* The **new root/admin password** (if password method chosen)
* The server's **IPv4**
* The server’s **IPv6** (if enabled)
* Access instructions

Example VMmanager output:

```
OS successfully installed.
Login: root
Password: ********
IPv4: XXX
IPv6: XXX
```

***

## **9. After Installation — Recommended Actions**

#### ✔ Update system packages

```bash
apt update && apt upgrade -y
```

#### ✔ Reconfigure IPv6 if necessary

(see the IPv6 tutorial)

#### ✔ Reapply your firewall rules

UP-NETWORK recommends:

* UFW (Ubuntu)
* Firewalld (RHEL)
* Windows Firewall for Windows

#### ✔ Reimport SSH keys

If you did not use Cloud-Init SSH injection.

***

## **10. Troubleshooting**

<details>

<summary>No network after reinstall</summary>

Check:

* `ens18` or `eth0` naming
* DHCP vs static assignment
* IPv6 prefix and gateway (`IPV6_GTW`)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Password not working</summary>

* VMmanager may enforce Cloud-Init for certain templates
* Use SSH key method instead
* Check the VMmanager console (`VNC / HTML5`)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Stuck on “installing OS”</summary>

Possible causes:

* Custom ISO errors
* Disk full
* Bootloader lock
* Corrupted FS

Open a ticket and UP-NETWORK engineers will assist you.

</details>

***

## Summary

* All reinstallations are done through **VMmanager 6**
* Choose your OS → set password/SSH → reinstall
* The server reboots and wipes all data
* New login credentials are displayed after installation