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 once you have received your order. Below is 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 next to the VPS/VDS you wish to install. Please note, if your server is already installed you won't see this option, instead you will see the option to reinstall the server.
4. Please select the "Standard Image" option if you wish to use one of the default operating system installations provided by Contabo. If you have ordered a VPS/VDS with a Windows, Plesk or cPanel license, select the appropriate image with the operating system and license you wish to use.
5. Depending on your operating system, you will need 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 by e-mail, so you will 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 so, please select "Custom Image" and choose an image you have already created or create a new one. Please note that you will not be able to start the installation until the upload of your image is complete.
7. The last available option in the installation panel, "Cloud-Init", provides advanced possibilities for customising 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 are not required if you just want a basic installation of your desired operating system. It is an optional feature for advanced installation customization only.