# Erase an existing server and set it up with Nuvlo

Reuse a server you already have at Hetzner or Contabo: Nuvlo wipes it, reinstalls the operating system and sets it up like a new Nuvlo server.

## Before you start

- A Hetzner or Contabo account connected to Nuvlo. See [Connect Hetzner](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/connect-hetzner) or [Connect Contabo](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/connect-contabo).
- The owner or admin role in your Nuvlo account.
- A copy of anything you want to keep from that server. Everything on it is deleted.

## Step 1: Choose the provider and erase mode

Go to [Create server](https://app.nuvlo.dev/dashboard/servers/create) and choose **Hetzner** or **Contabo**. Under **Server source**, click **Erase an existing server**. Then click **Choose server and software**.

![The Server source choice with Erase an existing server selected](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/shots/erase-an-existing-server--source.webp)

## Step 2: Select the server

Under **Select existing server**, Nuvlo lists the servers in your provider account with their status, IP address, size and region. Use the search box to filter by name, IP or region, and click the server to erase.

Below the list, choose **What will you host?** and the **Operating system**, the same way as for a new server. See [Create a server](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/create-a-server) for what each option installs. Click **Configure server**.

![The list of existing servers with one selected, and the What will you host? cards below](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/shots/erase-an-existing-server--select.webp)

## Step 3: Name it and confirm the wipe

Enter the **Server name in Nuvlo**. It defaults to the server's current name.

Tick the box that confirms the server will be **completely wiped** and reinstalled. Click **Review server**.

> **Warning:** All files, databases and settings on the server are permanently deleted. Erasing can't be undone.

![The Configure & confirm step with the name field and the wipe confirmation checkbox ticked](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/shots/erase-an-existing-server--confirm.webp)

## Step 4: Review and erase

Check the summary, then click the red **Erase** button, which names the server, for example **Erase web-old-01 and install Nuvlo**.

The setup progress then works the same as for a new server. When it's done, you can create sites on it.

![The Review step with the warning and the red Erase and install Nuvlo button](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/shots/erase-an-existing-server--review.webp)

## Good to know

- A server that already has sites in Nuvlo can't be erased this way. Move or delete those sites first.
- The database engine choice isn't offered here. Add databases after setup, see [Create a database](https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/create-a-database).
- On Contabo, a new root password for the VNC console is generated and shown once after setup.

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Source: https://app.nuvlo.dev/docs/erase-an-existing-server