Mount an ISO and install a custom OS on a Virtualizor KVM VPS

OS templates cover the popular distributions, but sometimes you need something else: a different release, a custom partition layout, full-disk encryption, or a firewall appliance. On KVM servers Virtualizor lets you mount an ISO image and install from it exactly as on physical hardware.

Before you start

• A KVM VPS (OpenVZ containers cannot boot ISOs).
• Your network details from the panel: IP address, netmask or prefix, gateway and DNS servers. ISO installs do not configure networking automatically. See VPS IP addresses.
• Backups of any data on the VPS – installing usually wipes the disk.

Mount the ISO

1. Log in to Virtualizor and open your VPS.
2. Go to Settings → ISO (or Mount ISO).
3. Choose an ISO from the list provided by your host. Some panels allow Custom ISO from a URL you enter – use official download links only.
4. Click Mount (or Save).

Change the boot order

1. In Settings → Boot Order, choose CD Drive first (labelled CD-ROM, Hard Disk or similar).
2. Save, then Restart the VPS so it boots from the ISO. A full stop and start is sometimes needed for KVM to pick up the change.

Install through VNC

1. Open the VNC console. You see the installer's boot menu.
2. Follow the installer. Choose the virtual disk (usually vda with VirtIO).
3. When asked for networking, choose manual / static and enter the IP, prefix, gateway and DNS from the panel. DHCP is often not available on VPS networks.
4. Create users and passwords, install an SSH server if offered, and finish.

Boot from disk

1. Before the installer reboots – or right after – set Boot Order back to Hard Disk first.
2. Click Unmount ISO.
3. Restart the VPS and watch the boot in VNC.
4. Connect over SSH with the IP and the user you created.

Tips for a smooth install

• Use VirtIO drivers for disk and network – Linux has them built in. Windows ISOs need the VirtIO driver ISO mounted during setup, if your host provides it.
• Choose a minimal or server install; desktop environments waste RAM on a VPS.
• Leave a small swap partition or swap file on low-RAM plans.
• Note that panel features such as root password reset or hostname change may not work on custom installs, because they rely on template agents.

Troubleshooting

• VPS still boots the old system: the boot order was not saved, or the VPS needs a full stop and start.
• Installer finds no disk: the ISO lacks VirtIO drivers. Ask your host whether the disk type can be switched to IDE/SATA for the install.
• No network after install: wrong gateway or prefix, or the interface name differs (ens3, eth0). Fix it in VNC.
• Keeps booting the installer: unmount the ISO and set the disk first.

Next steps

• Reinstall from a template instead.
• Rescue mode and recovery.
• First steps on a Linux VPS.