Category: Compute

Overview

This Knowledge Base explains how rDNS (Reverse DNS) works on Cloud, how it is automatically created, and clarifies common doubts faced by customers and internal teams.

Cloud follows a fully automated rDNS creation process. Customers do not need to manually add or manage rDNS entries after creating a Virtual Machine (VM).

What is rDNS?

Reverse DNS (rDNS) maps an IP address back to a hostname.

• Forward DNS: hostname → IP address
• Reverse DNS (rDNS): IP address → hostname

rDNS is commonly used for:

• Email server reputation and spam checks
• Network identification
• Compliance with hosting and email best practices

How rDNS Works in Cloud

1. Client creates a VM from the Cloud CMP.
2. Client provides or updates the hostname for the VM in the CMP.
3. Cloud backend rDNS automation runs every 1 hour.
4. The automation reads VM IP and hostname details from the CMP.
5. rDNS entry is automatically created in DNS.

No manual action is required from the client or support team.

rDNS Creation Schedule

• rDNS is not created instantly.
• The backend automation runs on an hourly interval.
• rDNS entries are usually visible within 1 hour after VM creation or hostname update.

If rDNS is checked immediately after VM creation, it may not appear yet. This is expected behavior.

Backend Automation Details

Cloud runs an automated rDNS creation in the backend.

• Scans newly created or updated VMs
• Fetches IP address and hostname from the CMP
• Automatically adds or updates rDNS records in DNS

Key Points

• Automation runs hourly
• Fully automated
• Prevents manual errors
• Ensures consistency across the platform

Do Clients Need to Add rDNS Manually?

Cloud automatically handles rDNS creation.

Clients should NOT:

• Raise requests for manual rDNS creation
• Try to configure rDNS outside Cloud
• Expect instant rDNS creation

Clients SHOULD:

• Ensure the correct hostname is set in the Cloud CMP
• Wait up to 1 hour for rDNS propagation

Cloud provides a Customization Script option that lets you automatically configure a virtual machine during deployment. Instead of performing manual installation after the VM is created, you can execute a script that installs and configures the required software automatically.

Cloud supports two types of customization scripts:

• Shell Script (.sh)
• Cloud-Init Script (YAML format using #cloud-config)

This guide demonstrates how to use a Cloud-Init configuration to automatically install cPanel & WHM on a new virtual machine.

Important: cPanel must be installed on a clean installation of AlmaLinux or CloudLinux. The server should have a minimum of 2 GB RAM and a valid cPanel license.

Step 1: Verify the Requirements

Before creating the VM, make sure the following requirements are met.

• Deploy a supported operating system such as AlmaLinux or CloudLinux.
• Allocate at least 2 GB RAM.
• Allocate a minimum of 20 GB storage.
• Assign a public IP address to the VM.
• Allow ports 2087 (WHM) and 2083 (cPanel) in the Security Group or Firewall.
• (Optional but recommended) Point a domain or subdomain such as cpanel.example.com to the VM’s public IP for SSL.

Step 2: Prepare the Cloud-Init Script

Create the following Cloud-Init configuration and replace the hostname with your own domain.

#cloud-config
hostname: cpanel.example.com
fqdn: cpanel.example.com
packages:
– perl
– curl
write_files:
– path: /etc/resolv.conf
content: |
nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4
runcmd:
– curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
– sh latest

Step 3: Understand What the Script Performs

When the VM starts for the first time, the Cloud-Init script automatically performs the following tasks:

• Sets the server hostname.
• Configures the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN).
• Installs the required packages (Perl and Curl).
• Configures Google Public DNS servers.
• Downloads the latest cPanel installer.
• Starts the cPanel installation automatically.

No manual commands are required after the VM boots.

Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine

• Sign in to your Cloud Dashboard.
• Click Create VM.
• Select a supported operating system.
• Choose the required CPU, RAM, storage, and network configuration.
• Locate the Customization Script section.
• Select Cloud-Init.
• Paste the Cloud-Init script into the provided text box.
• Review the configuration.
• Click Launch VM.

The VM will now be created with the customization script attached.

Step 5: Automatic Installation Process

After the virtual machine powers on:

• Cloud-Init executes automatically.
• The server installs the required packages.
• DNS configuration is applied.
• The latest cPanel installation package is downloaded.
• cPanel installation begins automatically.

The installation usually completes within 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the server specifications and internet speed.

Step 6: Access WHM

After installation finishes, open your browser and visit:

https://<VM_Public_IP>:2087

Step 7: Log in to WHM

Use the server’s root credentials.

Login with:

Username: root
Password: your VM’s root password (set during creation)

After authentication, the WHM interface will open.

Step 8: Complete the Initial Configuration

During the first login, WHM will launch its setup wizard.

Complete the following tasks:

• Accept the cPanel License Agreement.
• Verify the server hostname.
• Configure networking settings.
• Configure nameservers.
• Enter your contact email.
• Activate your cPanel license (Trial or Paid).

Once finished, the server is ready for hosting.

Step 9: Begin Using cPanel

After setup is complete, you can:

• Create new cPanel hosting accounts.
• Add websites and domains.
• Configure email services.
• Manage DNS zones.
• Install SSL certificates.
• Upload website files.
• Manage databases.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If DNS resolution fails, verify that /etc/resolv.conf contains valid nameservers.
• If cPanel fails to install, check logs at /var/log/cpanel-install.log.
• Ensure the server has no existing control panel or conflicting services.

Summary

By using a cloud-init cloud-config script in the Cloud VM creation wizard, you can automatically:

• Set system hostname
• Configure DNS
• Install cPanel with a single script

This reduces manual work and ensures consistent deployments.

Introduction

Managing a secure password is an important part of protecting your virtual machines from unauthorized access. CMP provides an easy way to change or reset the password associated with a virtual machine directly from the Cloud Dashboard.

This guide explains how to change or reset a VM password, verify the new credentials on Linux and Windows virtual machines, recover from account lockout situations, and manage password expiration settings. Following these steps helps ensure that your virtual machine remains secure and accessible using the updated credentials.

Steps to Change or Reset a VM Password

Step 1: Sign in to the CMP Cloud Portal

Access the CMP Cloud Dashboard using your registered account credentials.

Step 2: Select Your Virtual Machine

Go to the Virtual Machines section.

Locate and select the virtual machine for which you want to update the password.

Step 3: Open the Action Menu

Click the Action drop-down menu available next to the selected virtual machine.

Step 4: Choose “Set Password”

From the Action menu, select Set Password.

Step 5: Enter a Secure Password

Enter the new password that you want to assign to the virtual machine.

Strong Password Guidelines:

• Use a minimum of 12–16 characters.
• Include uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Include numbers.
• Include special characters such as @, #, $, etc.
• Avoid easily guessable words such as password123 or your name.
• Do not reuse old passwords.

Step 6: Save the Changes

Click the Set button to apply the new password.

Once the password update is completed successfully, use the updated credentials to log in to the virtual machine.

Verify Login After Resetting the Password

After changing the password, verify that the new credentials are working correctly before closing any active sessions.

For Linux Virtual Machines

• Open a new terminal window.
• Connect to the server using SSH.

ssh username@<VM_IP>

• Enter the newly configured password when prompted.
• Confirm that you can log in successfully using the new password.

Important:

Only close your existing SSH session after confirming that the new login works properly.

For Windows Virtual Machines

• Launch Remote Desktop Connection (RDP).
• Enter the VM’s IP address.
• Enter the username.
• Enter the newly created password.
• Verify that the Remote Desktop session opens successfully.

Account Lockout Situations

A virtual machine account may become locked if the operating system detects repeated unsuccessful login attempts.

Common Reasons for Account Lockout

Account lockout can occur due to the following reasons:

• Entering the wrong password multiple times while connecting through SSH or RDP.
• Applications or automation scripts continuing to use an outdated password after it has been changed.
• Security policies within the operating system detecting possible brute-force login attempts.

Recovering from an Account Lockout

Recommended Method: Reset the Password Through CMP

Follow these steps to reset the VM password through CMP:

Step 1: Log in to the CMP Cloud Dashboard

Log in to the CMP Cloud Dashboard using your registered account credentials.

Step 2: Select the Affected Virtual Machine

Open the Virtual Machines list and select the affected virtual machine.

Step 3: Open the Action Menu

Click Action and choose Set Password.

Step 4: Enter a New Secure Password

Enter a new secure password for the virtual machine.

Step 5: Save the Password

Click Set to save the new password.

Step 6: Wait for the Update

Wait approximately 1–2 minutes for the password update to take effect.

Step 7: Try Logging In Again

Try logging in to the virtual machine again using the newly configured password.

Password Expiration Policy

The password aging policy for Linux virtual machines is managed by Linux itself.

Check Current Password Expiration Settings

To check the current password expiration settings for a Linux user, run:

chage -l username

Disable Password Expiration

To disable password expiration for a user account, run:

sudo chage -M -1 username

If the password has already expired, Linux will request that you create a new password during the next SSH login.

Windows Virtual Machines

Windows may enforce password expiration through Local Group Policy or Active Directory settings.

If your session is blocked because of an expired password, use the CMP Cloud Dashboard to reset the VM password using the Set Password option.

After resetting the password:

• Log in to the Windows virtual machine.
• Verify that the new credentials work correctly.
• Update the operating-system-level password policy as required.

Conclusion

Managing a VM password in CMP allows you to securely change or reset virtual machine credentials directly from the Cloud Dashboard. After resetting the password, always verify the new credentials through SSH for Linux VMs or RDP for Windows VMs before closing existing sessions.

If a VM account becomes locked, reset the password through CMP and allow approximately 1–2 minutes for the change to take effect before attempting to log in again. Linux administrators can also review password expiration settings using the chage command, while Windows password expiration may be controlled through Local Group Policy or Active Directory.

Following these procedures helps maintain secure and reliable access to your virtual machines.

FAQ’s

How do I change a VM password in CMP?

Log in to the CMP Cloud Dashboard, open Virtual Machines, select the required VM, click Action, choose Set Password, enter the new password, and click Set.

What should a secure VM password contain?

A secure password should contain at least 12–16 characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid common words and previously used passwords.

How can I verify a new password on a Linux VM?

Open a new terminal and connect using SSH:

ssh username@<VM_IP>

Enter the newly configured password and confirm that the login is successful.

How can I verify a new password on a Windows VM?

Launch Remote Desktop Connection (RDP), enter the VM’s IP address and username, provide the new password, and verify that the Remote Desktop session opens successfully.

Why can a VM account become locked?

An account can become locked after repeated unsuccessful login attempts. Outdated credentials used by applications or automation scripts can also cause repeated failed authentication attempts.

How do I recover a locked VM account?

Use the CMP Cloud Dashboard to select the affected VM, open Action, choose Set Password, configure a new secure password, and click Set. Wait approximately 1–2 minutes before trying to log in again.

How do I check password expiration on Linux?

Run the following command:

chage -l username

This displays the current password expiration settings for the specified Linux user.

How do I disable password expiration for a Linux user?

sudo chage -M -1 username

This disables password expiration for the specified user account.

Introduction

A VM flavor defines the compute resources assigned to a virtual machine, such as vCPUs, RAM, and storage specifications. If your workload requirements change, you can switch to a different flavor without creating a new virtual machine.

This guide explains how to change the flavor of an existing virtual machine in CMP. You can select a suitable flavor to upgrade or downgrade the resources assigned to your VM based on your current requirements.

Step 1: Sign In to CMP

Log in to your CMP account using your credentials.

After logging in, navigate to the Virtual Machines section where all your deployed VMs are displayed.

Step 2: Locate the Target Virtual Machine

Find the virtual machine whose resources you want to modify.

On the right side of the VM entry, click the three-dot (⋮) action menu to view the available management options.

Step 3: Select “Change Flavor”

From the list of available actions, click Change Flavor.

This will open the flavor selection window, displaying all available VM configurations.

Step 4: Choose a Suitable Flavor

Review the available flavor options and select the configuration that best matches your requirements.

• You can choose to upgrade (increase resources) or downgrade (decrease resources) based on your current requirements.

Verify the selected configuration before proceeding.

Step 5: Confirm the Flavor Change

After selecting the desired flavor, click the Change Flavor button to submit the request.

CMP will begin applying the new resource configuration to the VM.

Step 6: Wait for the Process to Complete

The CMP platform will update the VM configuration automatically.

Once the operation is finished, the updated flavor information will be visible in the VM details section of the dashboard.

Important Notes:

• No data loss: Changing the flavor does not affect the data or configuration inside the VM.
• Downtime: A short reboot may occur while the flavor is being applied.

Conclusion

Changing the flavor of an existing virtual machine in CMP allows you to adjust the VM’s compute resources according to your workload requirements. You can upgrade or downgrade the available flavor without creating a new virtual machine.

Follow the steps in this guide to select the required flavor, confirm the change, and verify the updated flavor information from the VM details section.

FAQ’s

What is a VM flavor?

A VM flavor defines the compute resources assigned to a virtual machine, such as vCPUs, RAM, and storage specifications.

How do I change the flavor of an existing virtual machine in CMP?

Log in to CMP, navigate to Virtual Machines, locate the required VM, open the three-dot (⋮) action menu, and select Change Flavor.

Can I upgrade the resources of an existing VM?

Yes. You can select a higher flavor to increase the resources assigned to the virtual machine based on your requirements.

Can I downgrade the resources of an existing VM?

Yes. You can select a lower flavor to decrease the resources assigned to the virtual machine based on your requirements.

Where can I find the Change Flavor option?

The Change Flavor option is available in the three-dot (⋮) action menu on the right side of the required virtual machine entry.

Will changing the VM flavor cause data loss?

No. According to the source procedure, changing the flavor does not affect the data or configuration inside the VM.

Can there be downtime when changing the VM flavor?

Yes. A short reboot may occur while the new flavor is being applied.

How can I verify that the flavor has been changed?

Once the operation is complete, the updated flavor information will be visible in the VM details section of the CMP dashboard.

Introduction

Volume snapshots provide a reliable way to duplicate or recover an existing virtual machine environment. By creating a new volume or image from a snapshot, you can quickly provision a new VM containing the same operating system, configuration, and data as the original instance.

This guide explains how to locate a volume snapshot, create a new volume or image from the snapshot, optionally create an image from a volume, provision a new virtual machine, and verify the newly created VM using the CMP dashboard.

Step 1: Locate the Snapshot

Log in to your CMP Cloud Dashboard.

Navigate to Volumes and select the boot volume associated with your VM.

Open the Snapshots tab.

Locate the snapshot you want to use for creating the new virtual machine.

Verify that the snapshot belongs to the correct source volume before proceeding.

Step 2: Generate a Volume or Image from the Snapshot

Option A: Create a New Volume

Select the desired snapshot.

Click Create Volume.

Enter a suitable Volume Name.

Review the details and click Create.

Wait for the process to complete. The newly created volume will be available under the Volumes section.

Option B: Create an Image Directly

Select the snapshot.

Click Create Image.

Provide an image name.

Confirm the operation and wait for the image creation process to finish.

Step 3: Create an Image from a Volume (Optional)

If you created a volume from the snapshot or already have an existing boot volume, you can convert it into an image.

Open the CMP Region Advanced Dashboard.

Navigate to Compute → Volumes.

Locate the required boot volume.

Click the Actions Menu (⋮) next to the volume.

Select Create Image.

Enter an appropriate image name.

Click Create and wait for the image to become available.

The newly created image will appear in the Images section.

Step 4: Provision a New Virtual Machine

Once the image is available, you can deploy a new VM.

Navigate to the Virtual Machines section.

Click Create Virtual Machine.

Select the image created from the snapshot or volume.

Choose the desired Flavor (CPU, RAM, and Storage configuration).

Select the required Network Interface(s).

Enter a Virtual Machine Name.

Configure any additional settings as required.

Click Create or Deploy to start the VM provisioning process.

Step 5: Verify the Newly Created VM

After deployment is complete, perform the following checks.

Verify VM Status

Confirm that the VM status shows Running or Active.

Test Access

Connect using one of the available methods:

VNC Console
SSH (Linux)
RDP (Windows)

Validate Data and Services

Ensure all expected files, applications, and configurations are present.

Verify that services and applications start correctly.

Confirm network connectivity and functionality.

Conclusion

Creating a new virtual machine using a volume snapshot in CMP allows you to provision a VM based on an existing environment. You can create a new volume or image from the snapshot, use the resulting image to provision a new VM, and then verify its status, access, data, services, and network connectivity.

Follow the steps in this guide to create and verify a new virtual machine using a volume snapshot through the CMP dashboard.

FAQ’s

What is required to create a new VM using a volume snapshot?

You need an existing volume snapshot that can be used to create a new volume or image for VM provisioning.

How do I locate a volume snapshot in CMP?

Log in to the CMP Cloud Dashboard, navigate to Volumes, select the boot volume associated with the VM, and open the Snapshots tab.

Can I create a new volume from a snapshot?

Yes. Select the required snapshot, click Create Volume, enter a suitable Volume Name, review the details, and click Create.

Can I create an image directly from a snapshot?

Yes. Select the snapshot and click Create Image. Provide an image name, confirm the operation, and wait for the image creation process to finish.

Can I create an image from a volume?

Yes. Open the CMP Region Advanced Dashboard, navigate to Compute → Volumes, select the required boot volume, and use the Actions Menu (⋮) to select Create Image.

How do I create a new VM from the snapshot?

Once the required image is available, navigate to Virtual Machines, click Create Virtual Machine, select the image, configure the Flavor and Network Interface(s), enter the VM name, and click Create or Deploy.

How can I verify the newly created VM?

Confirm that the VM status is Running or Active, then test access using VNC Console, SSH for Linux, or RDP for Windows.

What should I verify after creating the VM?

Verify that the expected files, applications, and configurations are present. Also confirm that services start correctly and that network connectivity and functionality are working as expected.

Introduction

This guide explains how to access Linux or Windows virtual machines through the CMP Cloud Console. The console provides a browser-based method to connect to a virtual machine and manage it directly.

Before accessing the virtual machine, ensure that a secure password has been configured. This guide covers the prerequisites and step-by-step procedures for accessing both Linux and Windows virtual machines through the CMP Cloud Console.

Prerequisites

Before accessing your virtual machine, make sure a secure password has been configured.

Password Requirements

For smooth console access and enhanced security, your password should:

Contain at least 12 characters.
Include uppercase letters (A-Z).
Include lowercase letters (a-z).
Include numbers (0-9).
Include special characters (!, @, #, $, etc.).
Be unique and difficult to guess.

Note: Weak passwords may prevent successful login through the console.

Connecting to a Linux Virtual Machine

Step 1: Open the CMP Cloud Dashboard

Log in to your CMP Cloud account and navigate to the Virtual Machines section.

Step 2: Select the Virtual Machine

Choose the Linux VM you want to access from the VM list.

Step 3: Launch the Console

Click the Console option available in the VM details panel.

A new browser window will open displaying the VM console.

Step 4: Enter Login Credentials

Click inside the console window and enter your Linux username.

For example:

root

Step 5: Authenticate

Enter the password configured for the virtual machine.

Step 6: Access the Server

After successful authentication, you will be logged in and can start managing your Linux VM directly from the console.

Connecting to a Windows Virtual Machine

Step 1: Open the VM Console

From the CMP Cloud Dashboard, select the Windows VM and click Console.

Step 2: Configure Regional Settings

Choose the appropriate:

Country or Region
Language
Keyboard Layout

Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Accept License Terms

Review the Microsoft license agreement and click Accept to proceed.

Step 4: Set Administrator Password

Create or enter the password for the Windows Administrator account.

Step 5: Send Required Key Combinations

If necessary, use the Send Key Combination feature to send commands such as:

Ctrl + Alt + Delete

to the virtual machine.

Step 6: Sign In

Enter the Administrator password and click Sign In.

Step 7: Start Managing the VM

Once logged in, you can manage and operate the Windows virtual machine through the browser-based console.

Conclusion

Accessing virtual machines through the CMP Cloud Console provides a browser-based method for managing both Linux and Windows VMs. Before starting, ensure that a secure password has been configured according to the required password guidelines.

For Linux VMs, select the VM, launch the Console, and authenticate using the configured credentials. For Windows VMs, complete the required regional settings, accept the license terms, configure the Administrator password, and sign in through the console.

FAQ’s

How do I access a virtual machine using the CMP Cloud Console?

Log in to your CMP Cloud account, navigate to the Virtual Machines section, select the required VM, and click Console.

What are the prerequisites for console access?

A secure password must be configured for the virtual machine before accessing it through the console.

What password requirements should I follow?

The password should contain at least 12 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It should also be unique and difficult to guess.

Can I access Linux virtual machines through the CMP Console?

Yes. Select the Linux VM, click Console, enter the Linux username and configured password, and authenticate to access the server.

Can I access Windows virtual machines through the CMP Console?

Yes. Select the Windows VM and click Console. Complete the required Windows setup and sign in using the Administrator credentials.

What should I do if I need to send Ctrl + Alt + Delete to a Windows VM?

Use the Send Key Combination feature available in the console to send commands such as Ctrl + Alt + Delete to the Windows virtual machine.

What happens after successful Linux authentication?

After successful authentication, you will be logged in and can manage the Linux virtual machine directly from the console.

Can I manage a Windows VM after signing in through the console?

Yes. Once successfully signed in, you can manage and operate the Windows virtual machine through the browser-based console.

Introduction

This guide explains how to assign a public IP address to a virtual machine using the CMP dashboard. A public IP allows the virtual machine to be accessed through a public network based on the configured network interface and security group settings.

The process includes accessing the CMP dashboard, selecting the required virtual machine, editing its network interfaces, adding a public network, configuring secondary IPv4 addresses if required, selecting or creating a security group, and saving the network configuration.

Step 1: Access the Dashboard

Log in to your CMP Main Dashboard.

From the CMP Region Advanced Dashboard, navigate to the virtual machine management section.

Navigate to Virtual Machine to view the list of created virtual machines.

Note: Ensure that the required virtual machine has already been created before assigning a public IP.

Step 2: Select the Virtual Machine

Click on the name of the virtual machine from the list.

Open the detailed overview of the virtual machine.

Navigate to the Network Interfaces section.

Click Edit.

Step 3: Manage Network Interfaces

A Network Interfaces window will appear, displaying the existing network configuration.

Review the existing network configuration.

To add a new network interface, click + Add.

Step 4: Configure the Network

Select a Public network for the virtual machine according to your requirements.

To add secondary IPv4 addresses, select Secondary IPv4 Addresses.

Use the Add or Delete options to add or remove multiple IPv4 addresses.

Create a new security group for your project or select the Default security group.

Important:

Select the appropriate public network according to your requirements.

Review the IPv4 addresses and security group configuration before saving the changes.

Step 5: Add the Network Interface

Click Add to save the network configuration and create the network interface.

The newly created network interface will appear in the list.

Click Done to finish the configuration.

The public IP address will now be assigned to the virtual machine.

Conclusion

Assigning a public IP to a virtual machine in CMP can be completed through the virtual machine’s Network Interfaces configuration. By selecting a Public network and configuring the required IPv4 addresses and security group, the network interface can be added to the virtual machine.
Follow the steps in this guide to configure and assign a public IP to your virtual machine through the CMP dashboard.

FAQ’s

How do I assign a public IP to a virtual machine in CMP?

Log in to the CMP dashboard, select the required virtual machine, open Network Interfaces, click Edit, add a new network interface, and select a Public network.

Where can I configure the network interface?

Open the required virtual machine and navigate to the Network Interfaces section. Click Edit to manage the network configuration.

Can I add multiple secondary IPv4 addresses?

Yes. Secondary IPv4 addresses can be added or removed using the Add and Delete options under Secondary IPv4 Addresses.

Can I select a security group when configuring the public network?

Yes. You can create a new security group for the project or select the Default security group.

How do I save the public network configuration?

After configuring the network, click Add to create the network interface. The new interface will appear in the list. Click Done to complete the configuration.

When is the public IP assigned to the virtual machine?

The public IP is assigned to the virtual machine after the new public network interface is successfully added.

What should I check before adding the network interface?

Review the selected Public network, secondary IPv4 addresses if configured, and security group settings before clicking Add.

Can I remove a secondary IPv4 address?

Yes. Secondary IPv4 addresses can be removed using the Delete option in the Secondary IPv4 Addresses configuration.