Revert your (dv) to default
Overview
This article outlines the process of reinstalling your (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server to bring it back to a default state. The (dv) product includes the functionality to do this from within your Plesk Control Panel. You can also reinstall from the Advanced Recovery Tools section of your AccountCenter's (dv) Control Panel. We will cover both methods in this article.
Before you start
This article has the following dependencies:
- If you currently do not have your root user enabled or our Developer Tools installed, please visit the Root Access & Developer Tools section of your AccountCenter.
- Whenever installing third-party software, please consult the official documentation. (mt) Media Temple does not support the installation and configuration of software not installed at time of service activation. Please consult our (dv) Scope of Support page for further explanation.
- The domain example.com is used as an example. Please be sure to replace this text with the proper information for your site or server.
Method 1
Using the AccountCenter Advanced Recovery Tools
This tool will revert your (dv) to the default state, just like when you first provisioned the server. This will essentially wipe your server and save all of your old data inside of the /old directory on your server. You can only perform an Archive & Reinstall through the AccountCenter controls.
Instructions
1. Log into your AccountCenter, select your (dv) and go to the Advanced Recovery section. See Figure 1:
Figure 1: Click "Advanced Recovery" to continue.
2. Click the Revert to Default icon to begin the re-installation process. See Figure 2:
Figure 2: Click "Revert to Default" to begin.
3. Confirm the action, making note of the directory into which your old contents will be placed.
4. Wait approximately 15-60 minutes for the process to complete. Depending on how much data you have, the time to complete can vary. The page will show you that it is Pending and will let you know when it has Completed.
Method 2
Using the Plesk/Virtuozzo Reinstall VPS Menu
-
Log into your Power Panel.
Figure 3. Power Panel - Click on Maintenance.
- Click on the Reinstall tab. If your server is currently running, you will be prompted to stop it before proceeding.
- Once your server has stopped, click the "Prepare to Reinstall" button.
- Follow the prompts to continue and make your choices as needed.
NOTE:
- We strongly encourage changing the root password for your new install after your VPS reinstall is complete using our AccountCenter tool.
- If you change your root password via SSH, these tools will not save that password for the reinstall. Please use the AccountCenter tool to reset your root password. This would be one important step to prevent your server from being compromised moving forward, in case that was the reason for your reinstall.
Method 2
Using the Plesk/Virtuozzo Reinstall VPS Menu
This method provides more options and allows you to do a complete reinstall. While these tools are available and easy to use, one should exercise caution. The virtualization software makes it possible to choose from a few different installation scenarios, but all of them are non-reversible. You should understand the different options that you have before starting. Here is a simple breakdown:
Data Retention/Deletion Options
- Archive all old data to the /old directory. Reinstall the Operating System and Plesk Control Panel software.
- Completely wipe all old data and start with a clean slate.
Server User & Password Options
- Keep the user and password database in-tact, retaining all user accounts but not their home directories.
- Drop the user and password database. There will be no user accounts after the reinstall is completed.
You can pick from any combination of these options. Once you're ready, go to your Plesk control panel and click the Virtuozzo link on your left-hand sidebar, then go to Maintenance.
Select Reinstall VPS from the next screen. If your server is currently running, you will be prompted to stop it before proceeding.
On the next screen, you may select your re-install options. Choose whether or not you wish to save your existing content to the /old directory or if you'd like everything to be wiped, and if you wish to keep the password database or start fresh with that as well. If you choose to drop the password database, you will need to set a new root password before selecting Next.
NOTE:
If you select the option "Drop the existing VPS content", this will not move your data to a /old directory. It will only return your (dv) to the default configuration. To clarify: The server configuration will be returned to its default configuration, but the domains that were added to the server and all data associated with the domains (databases, email, site files, vhost log files, et cetra) remain.
Hitting Next will take you to a final confirmation dialog. If you are ready to proceed, select Reinstall.
You'll then be returned to the Maintenance screen. You'll see a little notification letting you know that the VPS reinstall has been scheduled. Selecting Details will pop-up a real-time progress monitor.
NOTE:
- We strongly encourage changing the root password for your new install after your VPS reinstall is complete using our AccountCenter tool.
- If you change your root password via SSH, these tools will not save that password for the reinstall. Please use the AccountCenter tool to reset your root password. This would be one important step to prevent your server from being compromised moving forward, in case that was the reason for your reinstall.