Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Colocation and Data Centers : How can i reinstall OS online?

[jasonyyd]

I saw some company provide the service reinstall OS online for dedicated servers.

Does anybody know how do they achieve that ?

[8088]

edit: oops nvm

[GarrisonHost-John]

A KVM unit or IPMI? Also, if theres another server on the network, a network based install? Interesting piece of software for this is NOC-PS. Looks like it integrates well into WHMCS.

[jasonyyd]

here is my case. I have 6 servers need to be colo at CA. but im in MI. I just afraid i may need to reinstall OS. The datacenter charge $250 per install. Is there anyway i can set this on my own, so i can remotely to reinstall? I can use one of the server as source of OSs

[Dougy]

PXE boot..

[FastPCNet]

If you have a Dell get a DRAC it lets you mount an ISO

[bqinternet]

The easiest way is with a server that supports IPMI with KVM and virtual media features. It's very common in modern Supermicro servers, or with Dell's DRAC or HP's iLO features.

Back when we had servers without IPMI, I used to do the installs using PXE, with serial console output.

[SamBarrow]

Get a spider kvm (allows for one machine). If you need to reinstall the OS, just call the DC and tell them to plug the kvm into the appropriate machine. They should do this for free.

[cresci]

These software work well with PXE booting:

ultimatedeployment.org
linmin.com