1. Knowledge Base
  2. >
  3. Results
  4. >
  5. How to Reboot Your VPS/Dedicated Server

How to Reboot Your VPS/Dedicated Server

Occasionally, restarting your container can be useful for installations or major configuration changes; however, it is not recommended that container restarts be performed frequently as this can cause more harm than good.

Below are the methods in which you can reboot your VPS or Dedicated server.

New VPS

Legacy VPS

New VPS Reboot

1. Restarting from WHM [VPS/Dedi]

WHM is the most common method for accessing your server which you can restart from. Please follow these steps to reboot:

  1. Log in to the WHM as root.
    Please check here for assistance logging into WHM.
  2. Look for System Reboot from the left sidebar and click Graceful Server Reboot.
  3. Click Proceed >>
    WHM New Reboot
Note: Your server will now be restarting and you will be disconnected. If there are further actions you wish to take in WHM you will need to log back into the server.

2. Restarting from the Command Line [VPS/Dedi]

Many users are comfortable with using SSH to manage their server. If you have not used SSH access and are interested in learning how, you may do so by reading our article for How to Get and Use SSH Access.To restart your container using SSH:

  1. Log in to SSH as root
  2. Enter the command "reboot". Your output should look like this: 
    root@server [~]# reboot
root@server [~]#
Broadcast message from root@server-host-name
(/dev/pts/0) at 14:52 ...

The system is going down for reboot NOW!
Connection to ip.add.re.ss closed by remote host.
Connection to ip.add.re.ss closed.
Note: As with rebooting from WHM, you will be disconnected from the server as the system is rebooted. If you wish to perform further actions you will need to log into your server again once the reboot is complete.

3. Requesting a Reboot via Form [VPS/Dedi]

  1. Log into your Customer Portal at https://portal.hostgator.com/
    • If you cannot remember your password, click on the Forgot Password link below the login area, then follow the instructions emailed to the primary email address on file.
  2. Select Hosting from the left-hand side menu.
  3. Select Manage on the VPS or Dedicated Server package you wish to reboot.
  4. Click Request Server Reboot.
  5. On the next page, you will be able to provide any special instructions for the server when the reboot is requested.

Legacy VPS

1. Restarting from the VZ Control Panel [VPS]

VPS users additionally have access to the Virtuozzo Control Panel for their server. VZ is commonly used for VPS management and also has controls to restart the entire container. Here is how:

  1. Log into VZ as root
    To access the Virtuozzo Power Panel, go to the following URL: 
    https://(SERVER_IP_HERE):4643
    Be sure to replace (SERVER_IP_HERE) with your server's IP address.
  2. Click Restart at the top of the page.

Your server will immediately restart without additional confirmation. You will also remain logged into VZ as this service runs on top of your VPS.

Note: The enhanced Reboot Form is only available in the new HostGator Portal Experience. If you are not yet using this experience, you will be prompted to opt-in.