Reinstalling a system image
How a reinstall works, what it destroys and what it keeps.
Last updated 1 August 2026
A reinstall erases the server
Everything on the primary disk is destroyed: data, configuration, installed software and any keys stored on the machine. There is no undo.What is kept
- The service itself, its billing period and its renewal date.
- The primary IPv4 address and any additional addresses on the service.
- Reverse DNS entries, where the plan supports them.
What is destroyed
- All data on the primary disk.
- Installed packages, application code and databases.
- Firewall rules configured inside the operating system.
The flow
- Take a backupA reinstall is not reversible. Copy anything you need off the server first.
- Choose an imageOnly images offered for your plan and region are listed.
- ConfirmYou are asked to type the service name, and to re-enter your password.
- WaitProgress is shown on the service page and the action is written to your activity log.
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