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How to Change VDS Server OS: Step-by-Step Reinstall Guide

Step-by-step guide to changing your VDS server OS via REXE panel: backup tips, supported Linux distributions and Windows Server versions explained.

Read time: 6 min Server Management
osoperating systemreinstallformatubuntuwindows
Author
REXE Teknoloji Network & Security Team
Editor
REXE Teknoloji Technical Editorial
First published
Last updated

Introduction

REXE Technology allows you to change your VDS server's operating system through the management panel. This process completely formats the server and installs a fresh OS. This guide explains the OS change process step by step.

Changing the operating system will erase ALL data on the server. Make sure to back up your important data before proceeding.

Available Operating Systems

Linux Distributions

OSVersionsUse Case
Ubuntu20.04, 22.04, 24.04Web servers, general purpose
Debian11, 12Stable servers, minimal setup
CentOS7, Stream 8, Stream 9Enterprise applications
Rocky Linux8, 9CentOS alternative
AlmaLinux8, 9CentOS alternative

Windows Server

OSVersionsUse Case
Windows Server2019, 2022.NET apps, RDP, Active Directory

Before Changing OS

1. Back Up Your Data

hljs bash
# Back up databases
mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > backup_db.sql

# Back up web files
tar -czf backup_web.tar.gz /var/www/

# Download backups to your local machine
scp root@SERVER_IP:/root/backup_* ./

2. Note Your Configuration

Document the following before reinstalling:

  • Installed software and versions
  • Firewall rules (iptables/ufw)
  • Cron jobs (crontab -l)
  • Custom configurations
  • Path Panel rules (these are preserved)

Path Panel firewall rules are NOT affected by OS changes. Your DDoS protection rules remain intact.

OS Change Steps

  1. Log in to the REXE panel (my.rexe.tr)
  2. Navigate to My Services → Select your server
  3. Click Reinstall / Change OS
  4. Select your desired operating system and version
  5. Confirm the operation
  6. Wait for the installation to complete (usually 5-15 minutes)
  7. New credentials will be sent to your email

The server will be inaccessible during the OS installation process. This typically takes 5-15 minutes.

After OS Change

1. Update the System

hljs bash
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# CentOS/Rocky/Alma
sudo dnf update -y

2. Restore Your Data

hljs bash
# Upload backups
scp backup_* root@SERVER_IP:/root/

# Restore database
mysql -u root -p < backup_db.sql

# Restore web files
tar -xzf backup_web.tar.gz -C /

3. Reconfigure Services

Reinstall and configure your applications, web server, database, and other services as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OS change affect my IP address?

No, your IP address remains the same after an OS change.

Are Path Panel rules preserved?

Yes, Path Panel firewall rules are independent of the server OS and remain intact.

Can I switch between Linux and Windows?

Yes, you can switch between Linux and Windows Server at any time through the panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data when changing OS?

Yes, changing the operating system completely formats the server. Back up all important data before proceeding.

How long does the OS change take?

The installation process typically takes 5-15 minutes. New credentials are sent to your email after completion.

Will my IP address change after OS reinstall?

No, your IP address remains the same after an OS change. Path Panel firewall rules are also preserved and unaffected.

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