# Use a dedicated server console and mount an ISO

The CloudExa dedicated panel gives authorised users console and power access to their assigned physical servers. Use the remote console to inspect a boot screen, work through a network issue or prepare installation media. You do not need to start an operating-system installation to open the console.

## Before you begin

- Check the server name and primary IP against your billing service. If a server is missing or shows the wrong assignment, contact support before issuing commands.
- Use your own dedicated-panel account. Ask the account owner for the required access rather than sharing their password.
- Save off-server copies of any files you need before changing boot media, operating systems or storage settings.

## Open the remote console

1. Sign in at [dedicated.cloudexa-hosting.com](https://dedicated.cloudexa-hosting.com/) and open your server.
2. Find its IPMI/console controls. Choose **Web IPMI console** where available. The available console type depends on the hardware and your account permissions.
3. Allow the panel's popup or new tab. Wait for the remote desktop and console application to connect.
4. Check that the screen belongs to the expected server before typing. A running operating system may show a text login prompt instead of a graphical desktop.

<figure id="bkmrk-sign-in-to-the-cloud">[![Sign in to the CloudExa dedicated panel before opening your assigned server. Console availability and menus depend on its hardware and permissions.](https://help.cloudexa-hosting.com/cloudexa/guides/20261108/dedicated-sign-in.png)](https://help.cloudexa-hosting.com/cloudexa/guides/20261108/dedicated-sign-in.png)<figcaption>Sign in to the CloudExa dedicated panel before opening your assigned server. Console availability and menus depend on its hardware and permissions. Select the image to view it full size.</figcaption></figure>If the console option is absent, support can check permissions and the server connection. If a tab stays white or reports a refused connection, capture the error and time. Avoid sharing the console URL: it may contain a temporary access token.

## Choose and mount an ISO

Different server consoles expose different virtual-media controls. Look for **Virtual Media**, **Virtual Storage** or an ISO/CD-ROM menu in the remote console application. The exact label depends on the server's management firmware.

1. Choose the ISO from the media available in the remote session. In a file chooser on the hosted console desktop, check `/var/www/iso` for the supplied images.
2. Check the filename, operating system release and architecture. If the required image is missing, ask support to add a trusted official image. Do not rename a different ISO to resemble it.
3. Use the console's attach or connect action, then confirm that it reports mounted media.
4. If you intend to boot from it, arrange downtime and use the machine's one-time boot menu to select the virtual CD/DVD device. Mounting media alone does not guarantee that the server boots from it.

**Installing an OS can erase disks.** Stop at the disk selection screen if you are unsure which drive contains your data. Console access, mounting an ISO and reinstalling the server are distinct actions; only continue with installation when you intend that change.

## Use power controls and finish

A power cycle or reset can interrupt database and filesystem writes. Shut down through the operating system first when it responds. Confirm with support before forcing power on an unresponsive machine that contains important data. A missing power reading does not prove that the server is off.

After finishing, eject or disconnect virtual media and restore normal boot behaviour. Check SSH and your application from your computer before closing the console. Close unused console tabs to end your session.

For help, send the service ID, server name, approximate time and a cropped screenshot showing the error or missing media. Do not include management passwords, session links or private network details.

References: [Console capabilities](https://documentation.tenantos.com/Tenantos/server-management/ipmi/ipmi-novnc-consoles/); [ISO availability in hosted KVM consoles](https://documentation.tenantos.com/Tenantos/remote-agents/ipmi-kvm-isos/).