Overview of installing a Contabo server:

If you have a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) you will need to install your server via the Customer Control Panel after you have received your order. Below you can find a quick guide on how to install your server.

How do I install my Contabo server?

1. Log in to the Customer Control Panel.
2. Open the section "VPS/VDS control".
3. Click on the "Install Instance" button right next to the VPS/VDS you would like to install.
4. Please choose the option "Standard Image" if you want to use one of the default operating system installations Contabo provide. If you ordered a VPS/VDS including Windows, Plesk or cPanel license, please choose the relevant image containing the operating system and license you would like to use.
5. Depending on your operating system you will now have to either set a password (Linux and Windows operating systems) or you can store an SSH-public key (Linux only). Please note that the password will not be sent to you via e-mail so you need to save it separately.
6. If you have ordered the Custom Images Storage Add-On, you can also install your custom image at this point. To do this, please choose "Custom Image" and select an image you already created or create a new one. Please note that you will only be able to start the installation once the upload of your image has been completed.
7. The last available option in the installation panel, "Cloud-Init", provides advanced possibilities to customize your installation. You can select certain templates provided from our side to customize your installation in order to add an automated installation of Webmin, LAMP or Docker to the installation routine.

Please note that these templates are only available for certain Linux operating systems and it is not required if you just want a basic installation of the desired operating system. It is an optional feature for advanced installation adjustments only.

Also if you have your own windows license it can only be used on a Dedicated Server. It is not possible to use your own Windows license on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS).