Knowledge Base

Hetzner is a popular hosting provider that offers powerful and affordable server solutions. Using ISO files to install operating systems like Proxmox VE (Virtual Environment) or Windows Server on your Hetzner servers is a common method. This article will explain in detail how to use ISO files for Proxmox or Windows installation on Hetzner servers. We will cover all the steps, including uploading ISO files, creating virtual machines, starting the installation process, and troubleshooting potential issues.

1. Introduction

Hetzner offers reliable and affordable server solutions, appealing to a wide range of users from individual developers to large-scale businesses. An ISO (International Organization for Standardization) file is often used to install an operating system on your servers. An ISO file is an exact copy of the contents of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. This is an image file that you can use virtually to install the operating system without needing a physical disc.

Proxmox VE is an open-source platform designed for server virtualization. Windows Server, on the other hand, is an operating system developed by Microsoft and used to run server-based applications and services. You can install both operating systems on your Hetzner servers via ISO files.

2. What is an ISO File and Why is it Used?

2.1 Definition of an ISO File

An ISO file is an archived image of an optical disc (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). The file contains all the data and file system contained on the disc. ISO files are commonly used for distributing operating systems, applications, and other software.

2.2 Advantages of an ISO File

• Easy Distribution: ISO files can be easily downloaded and shared over the internet.
• No Physical Media Required: You can install the operating system without needing a physical disc.
• Backup and Restore: ISO files can be used to create a backup of the operating system or application.
• Multiple Installations: You can install the same ISO file on multiple servers or virtual machines.

2.3 Where to Download an ISO File?

You can download the Proxmox ISO file from the Proxmox official website. You can download the Windows Server ISO file from Microsoft's website (usually requires a subscription or license).

3. Uploading an ISO File to a Hetzner Server

3.1 Accessing the Rescue System

The most common way to upload an ISO file to your Hetzner servers is to put your server into "Rescue System". The Rescue System is a lightweight Linux environment that you can use when the operating system on your server's hard drive is inaccessible. The Rescue System allows you to connect to your server via SSH and perform various maintenance tasks.

1. Log in to the Hetzner Customer Panel: Log in to the customer panel using your Hetzner account information.
2. Select Your Server: Select the server you want to upload the ISO to from your server list.
3. Activate the Rescue System: Find the "Rescue System" or a similar option in the server management panel. Activate this option. You will be given a root password. Note this password.
4. Connect via SSH: After switching to the Rescue System, connect to your server's IP address via SSH. Use "root" as the username and the password you just received.

3.2 Uploading the ISO File to the Server

After connecting to the Rescue System, you can use several methods to upload the ISO file to your server:

• scp (Secure Copy): This is the most common method. It allows you to securely copy the ISO file from your computer to the server.
• wget: If the ISO file is located at an address on the internet, you can download it directly to the server using the `wget` command.

Example: Uploading the ISO file with scp

scp /path/to/your/iso/file.iso root@server_ip_address:/tmp/

Run this command in your computer's terminal. Replace `/path/to/your/iso/file.iso` with the full path to your ISO file, and `server_ip_address` with the IP address of your Hetzner server. The `/tmp/` directory is a directory used for temporary files.

Example: Downloading the ISO file with wget

wget http://example.com/iso/file.iso -P /tmp/

Replace `http://example.com/iso/file.iso` with the internet address of the ISO file. The `-P /tmp/` option ensures that the file is downloaded to the `/tmp/` directory.

3.3 Checking the Uploaded ISO File

To ensure that the ISO file has been uploaded successfully, you can check the size of the file using the following command:

ls -l /tmp/file.iso

This command will show the file's name, size, owner, and modification date. Make sure the file size matches the size of the ISO file you downloaded.

4. Installing Proxmox on Hetzner Server

4.1 Mounting the Proxmox ISO File

Before starting the Proxmox installation, you need to "mount" the ISO file to a virtual drive. This makes the contents of the ISO file accessible.

mkdir /mnt/iso
mount -o loop /tmp/proxmox.iso /mnt/iso

These commands first create a directory named `/mnt/iso` and then mount the `/tmp/proxmox.iso` file to this directory. Replace `proxmox.iso` with the name of your Proxmox ISO file.

4.2 Booting the Server from the Installation Environment

Unfortunately, it is not possible to install Proxmox directly from the Rescue System on Hetzner servers. The Rescue System is generally designed to recover or modify data on the disk. For Proxmox installation, you need to boot your server from the ISO file. For this, you need to use the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) or KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) feature in the Hetzner customer panel.

1. Accessing IPMI/KVM: In your Hetzner customer panel, find an option that provides access to the IPMI or KVM console for your server. This console allows you to remotely access your server and change BIOS settings.
2. Changing BIOS Settings: Using the IPMI/KVM console, restart your server and enter the BIOS settings. Change the boot order so that the virtual drive containing the ISO file (usually appears as "Virtual Media" or a similar name) is first in the list.
3. Starting the Installation: After saving the BIOS settings, restart your server. The server will boot from the ISO file and the Proxmox installation screen will appear.

4.3 Proxmox Installation Steps

1. Select the Installation Language: On the Proxmox installation screen, select the installation language.
2. Perform Disk Partitioning: The installation wizard will provide you with various options for disk partitioning. Carefully plan how you will partition the disks on your server. You can use the default options or create a custom partitioning scheme.
3. Configure Network Settings: Configure your server's IP address, network mask, gateway, and DNS servers. Hetzner usually assigns static IP addresses to its servers. You can find this information in your Hetzner customer panel.
4. Set a Password: Set a password that you will use to access the Proxmox web interface.
5. Complete the Installation: Follow the instructions in the installation wizard to complete the installation.

5. Installing Windows on a Hetzner Server

5.1 Preparing the Windows ISO File

After downloading the Windows Server ISO file from Microsoft, you need to prepare it for installation. A product key (license) is usually required for Windows Server installation. Have your product key ready before starting the installation.

5.2 Creating a Virtual Machine (On Proxmox)

If you have installed Proxmox on your Hetzner server, you need to install Windows Server as a virtual machine (VM).

1. Log in to the Proxmox Web Interface: Enter the IP address of your Proxmox server into a web browser to log in to the Proxmox web interface.
2. Create a New Virtual Machine: Click the "Create VM" button.
3. Configure VM Settings: Configure the VM's name, ID, resource pool, and other settings.
4. Select the ISO File: In the "OS" tab, select the Windows Server ISO file you previously uploaded.
5. Configure Disk Settings: Create a virtual disk for the VM and specify its size.
6. Configure CPU and Memory Settings: Specify the number of CPU cores and the amount of memory to be allocated to the VM.
7. Configure Network Settings: Configure the VM's network settings. The "Bridge" mode is commonly used.
8. Create the VM: After configuring all settings, click the "Create VM" button.

5.3 Windows Installation Steps (on Proxmox)

1. Start the VM: Start the VM you created.
2. Connect to the IPMI/KVM Console: Connect to the VM's console. This will allow you to see the Windows installation screen.
3. Select the Installation Language: On the Windows installation screen, select the installation language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout.
4. Select the Installation Type: Select the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option.
5. Perform Disk Partitioning: The Windows installation wizard will provide you with various options for disk partitioning. Select the virtual disk you created earlier and partition it.
6. Enter the Product Key: Enter your Windows product key.
7. Complete the Installation: Complete the installation by following the instructions in the installation wizard.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 ISO File Cannot Be Uploaded

• Check Network Connection: Make sure your server is connected to the internet.
• Check File Permissions: Make sure you have write permissions in the upload directory.
• Check Disk Space: Make sure your server has enough disk space.

6.2 Installation Does Not Start

• Check BIOS Settings: Make sure the correct boot order is set in the BIOS.
• Check the Integrity of the ISO File: Make sure the ISO file is not corrupted. You can compare the checksum value of the ISO file with the value on the website where you downloaded it.
• Check IPMI/KVM Connection: Make sure your IPMI/KVM connection is working correctly.

6.3 Network Connection Problems

• Check Network Settings: Make sure you have correctly configured your server's IP address, network mask, gateway, and DNS servers.
• Check Firewall Settings: Make sure your firewall is not blocking the necessary ports.
• Check Network Cable: Make sure your server's network cable is properly connected.

7. Important Points

• Security: Use a strong password and configure the firewall to ensure the security of your server.
• Backup: Back up your data regularly.
• Updates: Regularly update your operating system and applications.
• Licensing: Make sure you have a valid license for the operating systems and applications you use.

8. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Example 1: Web Hosting Company

A web hosting company wants to provide virtual hosting services to its customers using Hetzner servers. The company virtualizes its servers using Proxmox VE and assigns a separate virtual machine to each customer. In this way, each customer's website is isolated from other customers' websites, and resources are used more efficiently.

Example 2: Game Server Provider

A game server provider wants to host servers for popular games using Hetzner servers. The company installs game servers using Windows Server and provides its customers with a low-latency and high-performance gaming experience.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Conclusion and Summary

In this article, we have explained in detail how to use ISO files for Proxmox or Windows installation on Hetzner servers. We have covered all the steps such as uploading ISO files, creating a virtual machine, starting the installation process, and troubleshooting possible problems. Hetzner is a popular hosting provider that offers powerful and affordable server solutions, and you can easily install the operating system you want on your servers using ISO files. By following the correct steps and planning carefully, you can perform a successful Proxmox or Windows installation on your Hetzner servers. You can make a quick and reliable start with Hetzner Cloud Germany Location Servers.