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Rebuild erases everything on your VPS and installs a fresh operating system. Use it to switch to a different operating system, or to start again with a clean server.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Time

Up to 30 minutes

Everything on the server is deleted

All files, websites, databases, settings and users on the server are permanently erased. This can’t be undone. Back up anything you want to keep first.

Before you start

1

Back up your data

Take a backup on the Backups tab, and download anything important to your own computer.
2

Turn off protection

If the server is protected, turn protection off first. See Rebuild Protection.
3

Add your SSH key (optional)

Want to log in with an SSH key? Save it in SSH Keys now so you can choose it during the install.
4

Check your email address

Login details for the new install are emailed to you. Check the address shown on your Profile tab. If it’s wrong, open a ticket before you rebuild.

Reinstall your server

1

Open your server

Go to Servers and click Manage next to the server.
2

Click Rebuild

On the Overview tab, click the red Rebuild button.
3

Confirm you want to continue

A red window asks Are you sure you want to rebuild this server? Click Continue to go to the install screen, or Cancel to stop.
Red window asking Are you sure you want to rebuild this server? with Cancel and Continue buttons

The first rebuild warning

4

Check the name, hostname and timezone

The Server Setup screen opens with an orange banner. Until you click install, you can still back out with Cancel Rebuild.Your current Name and Hostname are filled in. Change them if you like, and pick a Timezone.
Server Setup screen with an orange warning that rebuilding deletes all data, a Cancel Rebuild button, and Name, Hostname and Timezone fields

The Server Setup screen during a rebuild

5

Choose an operating system

Click an operating system family, such as Ubuntu or Debian, to open its list, then click the version you want. A green tick shows your choice. See Choosing an operating system for the full list.
6

Choose swap space and SSH keys

Pick a Swap Space size (512 MB is selected by default), then click any saved SSH keys you want added to the new install.
7

Start the install

Click the blue Install with … button at the bottom.
  • With an SSH key selected, confirm Are you sure you want to install … on this server? with Install Now.
  • Without an SSH key, the panel asks Are you sure you want to install the server without any SSH keys? Click Install Without. Password login is turned on and the root password is emailed to you.
The server is erased and the new system is installed. A progress window shows each step until the server boots.
Most installs finish in a minute or two, but some can take up to 30 minutes. When it’s done, the Overview tab shows the new operating system. If you didn’t choose an SSH key, we email your new root password to the address on your account. You can follow progress in the task log.

Install your own operating system instead

If you’d rather install from your own ISO, click Self Install (next to the operating system list) instead of picking a system. The panel asks Are you sure you don’t want to install an operating system? You can install from CD/DVD on the next screen. Click Prepare for Self Install, then follow How to Use Custom ISOs.
Custom ISOs are turned on by request. Open a ticket to ask for access before you rebuild, so you’re not left with an empty server.

After the reinstall

  • Your server keeps the same IP address.
  • Sign in with the new details from your email, or with your SSH key.
  • Turn protection back on.
  • Restore your files from your own copies.

Is a rebuild the right fix?


Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026