How do I reinstall the operating system?

You can reset your VDS and dedicated servers from the client area at any time, an unlimited number of times, and reinstall them with a different operating system. The process takes a few minutes, and you don't need a separate support ticket to switch from your current Linux setup to Windows (or vice versa). Your IP address doesn't change; only all files, databases and configurations on the server are deleted.

1. Format Steps from the Client Area

1. Go to musteri.kolan.net.tr and sign in to your account.
2. From the top menu, go to Services → My Services.
3. Click the VDS or dedicated server product you want to reinstall.
4. On the opened service detail page, switch to the Format tab.
5. From the Operating system menu, select the distribution you want to install (Linux distributions and Windows options are listed).
6. In the New password field, enter the root / Administrator password to use after installation. Pick a strong password (minimum 12 characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols mixed).
7. Check the confirmation box and click the Start Format button.

The operation starts automatically; the server shuts down, the disk is wiped and your chosen operating system is installed. The format duration varies by OS but typically completes in 5 to 15 minutes.

2. Available Operating System Options

The format screen typically includes the following categories:

• Linux server distributions: Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CentOS Stream and similar current versions.
• Windows Server: Standard server editions (Windows Server 2019 / 2022, etc.). Windows installations require a license; whether it's included in your package can be seen in your order details.
• Installations with a control panel (if offered in your package): Ready templates like cPanel + CloudLinux can be installed in one click.

If the OS you need isn't in the list or you want to upload a custom ISO, you can open a support ticket with your request.

3. First Connection After Format

When the format completes, your server comes up running with the OS you selected. Connection details:

• IP address: Stays the same as before the format.
• Username: root for Linux, Administrator for Windows.
• Password: The password you set on the format screen.
• Port: SSH for Linux (default 22), RDP for Windows (default 3389).

We explain SSH connection for Linux distributions and RDP connection for Windows step by step in the related guides in our knowledge base.

4. Initial Settings to Apply After Format

• System update:
  • Ubuntu / Debian: apt update && apt upgrade -y
  • AlmaLinux / Rocky: dnf update -y
  • Windows: Settings → Windows Update
• Timezone and hostname setup — timedatectl and hostnamectl commands on Linux.
• Firewall configuration: ufw, firewalld or Windows Defender Firewall.
• SSH/RDP security: Change the default port, switch to key-based authentication, install brute-force protection like Fail2Ban.
• Backup plan: If you've purchased Veeam-based backup as an add-on, check your backup plans in the panel.

5. Common Situations

• Format hasn't completed in 30 minutes: Usually takes longer for heavy Windows editions or paneled installs. If it exceeds 45 minutes, open a support ticket.
• Can't connect after format: Make sure you're entering the password exactly as you set it in the panel; transfer special characters by copy-paste. If the issue persists, an additional format can be tried.
• I think the IP changed: IP addresses don't change with format; your old DNS records remain valid.
• I want to recover databases / files: Once the format has started, there's no way back. If your Kolan Veeam backup service is active, you can request a restore from the latest backup.

If you encounter an unexpected situation during or after the format, you can open a support ticket with your service ID; our team will inspect the logs and guide you.