Help Dedicated servers Troubleshooting
Locked out, or it won't boot
Get back into a server you can't log in to, or that won't start, without losing what is on its disks.
Three ways back in, gentlest first. None of them touches your files.
| What's wrong | Do this | Takes |
|---|---|---|
| Forgotten the root password | Reset the root password | About 5 minutes |
| SSH won't let you in | Log in on the console, which doesn't need the network | A minute |
| It won't boot | Boot a rescue system, below | A couple of minutes |
On the console, look for what's blocking SSH: a firewall rule, a missing key in /root/.ssh/authorized_keys, or a change in /etc/ssh/sshd_config.
Boot a rescue system#
A rescue system starts over the network, so it works whatever state your installed system is in. From it you can mount your disks, copy files off, or fix what stops the system starting.
On the Reinstall tab, choose Boot a rescue system:
- 1Boot into Pick a rescue system. Any of them can read your disks.
- 2SSH keys Tick the keys to let in. They go into the rescue system only.
- 3Root password Or set a password for the rescue system instead.
- 4Boot rescue Type your server's name in the box above it, then press this. The server reboots straight away.
It's up in a couple of minutes on its usual address. Connect over SSH with the key or password you chose. When you're done, reboot from inside it and your installed system comes back.
Still stuck#
Open a ticket from the portal, or ask on Discord. Say which server, what you tried, and what the console shows.
Still stuck? Open a ticket and say which guide you followed.