How to set up a VPS on Contabo

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13

Quick Answer

Log into the Contabo Customer Panel at new.contabo.com, install your preferred OS like Ubuntu 22.04, set credentials, retrieve the IP and username, then connect via SSH for Linux (<code>ssh root@IP</code>) or Remote Desktop for Windows. Update packages post-login and harden security by creating a non-root user. Common issues like connection failures are fixed via VNC or rescue mode.

Prerequisites

Contabo account credentials from purchase email
SSH client (terminal on Mac/Linux or PuTTY on Windows)
Secure password or SSH public key ready
Remote Desktop app for Windows servers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Log into Customer Panel

Log in to the Customer Panel at new.contabo.com (recommended) or my.contabo.com using credentials received via email after purchase. This is your dashboard for managing VPS, VDS, or servers.[1][2]

Navigate to Your VPS

In the left-hand menu, click ‘Servers & Hosting’ and select ‘VPS’ (or ‘VDS’ if applicable). Locate your VPS in the list to begin setup.[1]

Start OS Installation

Click the three dots under ‘More’ and select ‘Install’ (or ‘Reinstall’ if already set up). Warning: This permanently erases all data on the server.[1]

Use ‘Reinstall’ only if needed for custom add-ons.

Choose OS and Credentials

Select ‘Standard Image’ and pick an OS like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (common for Linux). Set a secure system password (min 8 chars, alphanumeric; store securely—not emailed). For Linux, optionally paste your SSH public key (e.g., from ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub).[1][2]

Prefer SSH keys over passwords for better security.

Complete Installation

Click ‘Install’ and wait 5-15 minutes for completion. Monitor status in the dashboard until it shows Running.[1]

Retrieve Connection Details

Note the IP address (e.g., 123.456.78.90), username (default: root for Linux, Administrator for Windows), and confirm status is Running. Use three dots menu for Start/Stop if needed.[1][2][5]

Connect via SSH (Linux/Mac)

Open a terminal and run:

ssh root@<IP_ADDRESS>

(e.g., ssh root@123.456.78.90). Enter password when prompted, or use ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 root@<IP_ADDRESS> for key auth. Default port is 22.[1][2]

On Windows, use PuTTY with IP, port 22, root username.

Connect via Remote Desktop (Windows)

Open Remote Desktop Connection, enter the IP address, Administrator username, and password set during install. Connect to manage the server.[2]

Update and Harden Server

After login, run:

apt update && apt upgrade -y

(Ubuntu). Reboot if prompted: reboot. Create non-root user:

adduser newuser
usermod -aG sudo newuser

. Disable password auth in /etc/ssh/sshd_config (PasswordAuthentication no), then systemctl restart ssh.[8]

Always use non-root users for daily tasks.

Optional: Advanced Options

For custom setups, use Custom Image (add-on required) or Cloud-Init Templates for Docker/LAMP. Access VNC via Manage > VNC Information for diagnostics.[1][2][5]

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Cannot connect via SSH or Remote Desktop

Verify IP/username/password, ensure server is Running, check firewall. Use VNC (Manage > VNC Information) or boot Rescue System (e.g., Debian 10) to diagnose.[1][2][5]

Forgot password or key issues

Reinstall OS via three dots > Reinstall (erases data). Passwords are not emailed—store securely during setup.[1]

Server stuck in installation

Wait 15+ mins or reboot via panel. Check status; if failed, contact support or try original interface my.contabo.com.[1][8]

Wrong OS or need custom image

Reinstall with Custom Image add-on or Cloud-Init. Purchase add-ons first if needed.[1][2]

Port 22 blocked or SSH fails post-hardening

Revert sshd_config changes or use VNC console. Confirm <code>systemctl status ssh</code> is active.[2][5]

Visit Contabo View Contabo Pricing