Whats is a rescue system?

A rescue system allows you to partially access your server and fix any problems that may be preventing you from accessing it normally.

How do I boot a rescue system for my server?

You can boot a rescue system (like a live CD) into the RAM of your server if you need to access and are unable to do so via the normal methods. This option is available for Virtual Private Servers (VPS), Virtual Dedicated Servers (VDS) and Dedicated Servers.

Through it you will be able to access the system, make changes, correct any errors, and boot the system again normally. This option is free of charge and you can do it on your own immediately using the Customer Control Panel. Please follow the steps below to try using a rescue system:

1. Log in to the Customer Control Panel.
2. Click "Your services" from the control panel on the left hand side of the page.
3. Click the "Manage" button next to the effected server.
4. Click the option "Rescue System".
5. Select the type of rescue system you would like to run from the dropdown. Details about each rescue system can be seen at the top of the page.
6. Enter the server password in the "Password" text box.
7. Re-enter the server password in the "Password (confirm)" text box.
8. Click "Start rescue system"

After a short wait you should be able to access your server via SSH under the server IP and the default port 22. The root password is the one which you have just entered.

This option is best to use if you know the cause of your servers issue and need to regain access to fix the issue.

We recommend PuTTy (command line) and WinSCP (file transfer) as Windows clients.

How do I access data and files after booting a rescue system on my server? 

If you want to access data and files after booting a rescue system on your server you will need to follow the below steps which include running some linux commands:

1. Enter the below command  to make sure you have admin rights:

   sudo -i

2. Next run the below command to check which partitions are available:

   fdisk -l
   

3. The root file system is usually located on /dev/sda2 or /dev/vda2. Use the following command to mount the according partition:

    mount /dev/sda2 /mnt/ 

4. Your server files are now available in /mnt/.
   
   
5. If you use a Windows as operating system on your server, our rescue system can be helpful despite the different architecture. The C: drive is usually located on /dev/sda2 or /dev/vda2. The command to mount it with write access is a bit different:

   ntfs-3g /dev/sda2 /mnt/

6. You are now set to modify configuration files or to retrieve personal data. WinSCP is perfect for both of those purposes.
   
   
7. When you have finished your work and want to boot your server normally again, enter the following command:

   reboot