How to Install Kimsufi Windows on Dedicated Server
You have a dedicated server from Kimsufi, OVH, or SoYouStart, but you want to install Windows on it. You don’t know how to do it, and you don’t want to pay extra fees for a Windows license or a custom installation service.
Installing Windows on a dedicated server can be tricky and time-consuming. You need to boot into rescue mode, create a Windows image template, connect to the server via SSH, extract and install Windows, and then boot to hard disk.
You also need to deal with drivers, activation, and security issues. If you make a mistake, you could damage your server or lose your data.
Don’t worry, there is a simple and free way to install Windows on your dedicated server.
In this guide, I will show you how to do it in 6 easy steps. You will learn how to use a script that automates the whole process and installs any Windows version you want.
You will also learn how to connect to your Windows server using RDP and enjoy its full features. By following this guide, you will save time, money, and hassle.
Note: The guide & video is only for educational purposes.
Step 1: NetBoot into Rescue Mode
When you have purchased a server and are in the control panel, click on “Netboot,” when a pop-up appears, click on Rescue, make sure “Resuce64-pro” is selected, and click Next.
Step 2: Disable Server Monitor & Start Rescue Mode
You need to disable the server monitoring in your dashboard.
Then restart the server and wait for an email from your server provider with details on rescue mode. (This takes 5-10 minutes, and the email goes to your account email.)
Step 3: Create a Windows Image Template
You should now have decided what version of windows you want to install, such as Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2016, or any other.
Please let me know which version of Windows you are going to install to see what the most popular option is.
When you have decided to install Windows Server, you will need a Windows Template file hosted online.
There are two ways to do it:
- Create your own Windows template
- Use the Windows template for kimsufi that others created and used (you will need to trust them).
Since this video is meant to be educational, I will not share exact links, but if you do a Google search, you find links, guides, or resources and pick which you feel most comfortable with or trust.
It is necessary to have a Windows template file in “GZ” format and available on a public website.
Step 4: Connect to the Server via SSH
Connect your server in rescue mode via any free SSH client (e.g., PuTTy or Bitvise) using the details you received from the rescue email.
You must use the email’s IP address, username, and password.
Step 5: Extract and Install Windows
All you need to do now is copy and paste the one-line command that instructs and provides the link to your Windows template file.
Eg: wget -O- 'https://websitewhichhasyourtemplatefile.com/windows2008R2.gz' | gunzip | dd of=/dev/sda
Change the URL to your template file and hit enter.
It will now begin to download and install Windows on your server.
Step 6: NetBoot to Hard Disk
When the process is complete, go to the server control panel and change the “Netboot” setting to a Hard disk.
Afterward, reboot the server.
Step 7: Connect to Your Windows Using RDP
You can use the Remote Desk connection service (free). If you are using another OS, similar software can connect visually to another computer.
Now login using the user name and password for the Windows template file you downloaded.
Conclusion
Let us know if you installed windows on your server by dropping “Yes” and sharing your experience.
You have learned how to install Windows on your dedicated server from Kimsufi, OVH, or SoYouStart.
To automate various tasks related to your server management, you might find a tool like Pabbly Connect useful. Read our Pabbly Connect Review to learn more about this Zapier alternative.
You have followed the 6 easy steps and used the script that automates the whole process. You have connected to your Windows server using RDP and enjoyed its full features.
But you are not done yet. You still need to secure your Windows server and optimize its performance. You need to update your Windows, install antivirus software, configure firewall rules, and tweak some settings.
You also need to monitor your server’s health and performance, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Don’t worry, I have you covered. In the next guide, I will show you how to secure and optimize your Windows server.
You will learn how to use the best tools and practices to keep your server safe and fast.
You will also learn how to backup your data and restore it in case of disaster. By following this guide, you will make the most out of your Windows server.