You can reinstall your VPS at any time from the client area, either to start fresh or to switch to a different operating system. We offer AlmaLinux, Debian, Rocky Linux and Ubuntu, in several versions.
Reinstalling erases everything on your VPS, including websites, databases, email and settings. It can't be undone. Before you start, copy anything you want to keep off the server.
Which operating system should I choose?
- Ubuntu (22.04, 24.04 or 26.04 LTS): the most popular choice, with the most online guides. A good default if you're not sure.
- Debian (12 or 13): very stable and lightweight. Popular for servers that should just keep running.
- AlmaLinux (8, 9 or 10) or Rocky Linux (9 or 10): compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Choose one of these for cPanel, or for software that's built for RHEL.
Newer versions get security updates for longer, so pick the latest version unless your software needs an older one.
Reinstall your VPS
- Log in to the client area and go to Services → My Services (https://www.hooplahosting.co.nz/client/clientarea.php?action=services).
- Click Manage next to your VPS.
- Open the Reinstallation tab.
- Find the operating system you want, and choose a version from its Select version drop-down.
- Follow the prompts and confirm the reinstall. If you're asked for a root password, choose a strong one and keep it somewhere safe.
The reinstall usually takes a few minutes. Your VPS keeps the same IP address.
After the reinstall
When you connect over SSH again, your computer will probably warn that the host key has changed, or show "REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED". This is expected, because the fresh install created new keys. Clear the old key from your computer, then connect again:
ssh-keygen -R YOUR_SERVER_IP
ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IPOn Windows, you can run these commands in Windows Terminal or PowerShell. If you use PuTTY, it asks whether to accept the new key. Choose Accept.
Then treat it like a new server: update it, set up your firewall and create your users again.
Troubleshooting
- You can't connect after the reinstall: give it a few more minutes, then check the power status on your VPS's management page. You can also click Open Console to see what the server is doing.
- Your password doesn't work: make sure you're using the password for this install and logging in as
root. If you're still stuck, open a support ticket. - You need an operating system that isn't listed: open a support ticket and let us know what you need.
Related guides
Need help?
Our Cloud VPS plans are self-managed, so you're responsible for installing, securing and maintaining the software on your server. If something on our side isn't working, such as the network, or your VPS won't boot, open a support ticket.
