VPS Rescue Mode: Fix Boot Issues & System Problems

VPS Rescue Mode

Rescue Mode is a VPS Dashboard feature that provides access to a minimal operating system independent of the server's main disk. This tool enables troubleshooting and repair of boot failures, misconfigurations, corrupted filesystems, and other critical system issues that render a VPS inaccessible.

What is Rescue Mode?

Rescue Mode boots a Debian Live environment that bypasses the server's primary operating system. This independent environment allows direct access to the server's core systems and filesystem for diagnostic and repair operations. Once issues are resolved, disabling rescue mode returns the server to its standard operating environment.

Use Cases

Scenario	Description
Boot failures	System fails to start normally
Corrupted filesystems	File system damage prevents access
Misconfigurations	System settings prevent normal operation
Security incidents	Compromised systems requiring repair
Data recovery	File retrieval from inaccessible systems

Prerequisites: Basic Linux command-line knowledge or SFTP client software (FileZilla, WinSCP)

How to Use Rescue Mode

Step 1: Access VPS Dashboard

1. Navigate to the Home Page in your client portal
2. Click View Details on your VPS
3. Select Open Control Panel

Step 2: Initialize Rescue Session

1. Click the Options tab in the VPS Dashboard navigation bar
2. Click Create Rescue Session button
3. The system automatically uses Linux (Debian Live) Rescue V1

Step 3: Retrieve Login Credentials

1. Check your email for "Rescue Session Activated" notification
2. Note the temporary SSH credentials provided
3. These credentials expire when the rescue session ends

Step 4: Access the Rescue Environment

Option A: VNC Console

1. Open VNC window in the VPS Dashboard
2. Enter login credentials at the command prompt:
   • Username: root
   • Password: [from email - characters will not display while typing]
3. Press Enter after typing the password

Option B: SSH Client
Use the provided credentials with your preferred SSH application.

Available Tools and Commands

Rescue Tools Menu

Execute rescue-tools to access the diagnostic toolkit containing:

• System repair utilities
• File system checking tools
• Network diagnostic tools
• Data recovery options

System Information

Execute rescue-info to:

• View system specifications
• Install temporary software using apt commands
• Access system logs and configuration files

Common Commands

Command	Function
rescue-tools	Opens diagnostic toolkit menu
rescue-info	Displays system information options
lftp	File transfer via FTP
sftp	Secure file transfer
apt install [package]	Install temporary software

Data Recovery and File Access

To extract files from the affected system:

1. Use SFTP/FTP commands to transfer files to your local system
2. Alternatively, connect via SFTP client using rescue session credentials
3. Access mounted drives to retrieve data before system repair

Ending a Rescue Session

1. Return to the VPS Dashboard
2. Click End Rescue Session in the banner or Options tab
3. Confirm by clicking End Rescue Session in the confirmation modal

Important: Temporary software and configurations added during the rescue session will be removed. Only permanent system modifications (OS updates, firewall rules, file changes) persist after ending the session.

Related Articles

• How to Rebuild Your VPS - Complete server reinstallation if rescue fails
• SFTP Connection Guide - Transfer files during rescue session
• VNC Access Guide - Connect via VNC console
• Common Ubuntu Commands - Command reference for rescue environment

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