How to connect to your server and troubleshoot access issues

Learn how to connect to Linux and Windows servers using SSH or RDP and troubleshoot common access issues with tools like Rescue Mode, IP KVM, and password recovery.

Key points to consider

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Secure Shell (SSH) are indispensable tools for accessing and managing your servers remotely. They provide seamless control over server environments without requiring physical access.
This guide provides instructions for connecting to Linux and Windows servers using SSH or RDP, offering support for users on various operating systems.
Troubleshooting techniques, such as resetting passwords using ''Rescue Mode" and accessing IP KVM, are included to address common login issues effectively.
Before proceeding, ensure you have the credentials necessary: the server IP, username, and password. Additionally, verify that your server is online and set up for remote access. This includes ensuring that SSH or RDP services are active and firewalls are correctly configured to permit remote connections.

Step-by-step instructions

Part A: Connecting to a Linux server

Remote management of Linux servers is typically done using SSH, a secure protocol to provide encrypted communication between devices. The following methods are intended to meet users' needs working on both Linux and Windows operating systems.

Connecting to a Linux server using SSH on Linux
You'll use the terminal application available by default in most distributions to connect to a Linux server from another Linux system. Open a terminal and execute the following command:
```
$ ssh username@IPAddress
```
- Replace username with the username of the server account (the default is usually "root").
- Replace IPAddress with your server’s public IP address.
If the server is online, you’ll be prompted to enter your password (see Fig. 1). After logging in, you'll gain complete command line access to your Linux server. This access is especially valuable for executing administrative tasks such as installing packages, configuring settings, and performing updates.

Fig. 1. Entering the root password for SSH access to the server. You'll gain full command-line access to your Linux server upon successful authentication.
Connecting to a Linux server using SSH on Windows
For Windows users, SSH access requires a client like "PuTTY". Download and install "PuTTY" from its official website.
- Launch "PuTTY" and input your server’s IP address into the "Host Name" field.
- Click Open to establish the connection.
A terminal window will open, prompting you to input your username and password (see Fig. 2). Type your credentials and press Enter. You will now have full SSH access to your server. The field will remain blank for security reasons when entering your password.

Fig. 2. PuTTY terminal window prompting for the root password after successfully initiating an SSH connection to the remote server.

Refer to our complete guide:
How to connect to a Linux server using SSH.

Part B: Connecting to a Windows server

Windows servers are typically accessed via RDP, a user-friendly protocol allowing a graphical server management interface. Below are detailed instructions for connecting from both Windows and Linux clients:

Connecting to a Windows server using RDP on Windows
Windows systems come preinstalled with the Remote Desktop connection tool. To establish a connection:
- Open the tool by typing Remote Desktop Connection into the Start menu and pressing Enter (see Fig. 3).
  
  Fig. 3. Search for and select "Remote Desktop Connection" from the Start menu on a Windows PC.
- Enter your server’s IP address into the provided field and click Connect (see Fig. 4).
  
  Fig. 4. Enter the IP address of the Windows server in the Remote Desktop Connection window.
If the server is online (see Fig. 5), a login window will appear. Input your username and password, then click OK. You’ll now have full graphical access to your server. This is particularly useful for software installations, file management, and administrative configurations.

Fig. 5. Enter the administrator password and click"OK" to proceed with the Remote Desktop connection.
Connecting to a Windows server using RDP on Linux
Linux users can rely on "Remmina", a powerful remote desktop client, to establish RDP connections. First, install "Remmina" using the following command:
- On Ubuntu/Debian, install using:
```
$ sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp
```
- On Fedora:
```
$ sudo dnf install remmina
```
- On Arch Linux:
```
$ sudo pacman -S remmina
```
Once installed, launch "Remmina" and select RDP as the protocol. Enter your server’s IP address and press Enter. When prompted, input your credentials to access the server (see Fig. 6). This approach is constructive when managing Windows servers from a Linux-based workstation.
Fig. 6. Enter the RDP authentication credentials (Username and Password) to connect to the remote Windows server via Remmina.

Refer to our complete guide:
How to connect to a Windows server using RDP.

Part C: Troubleshooting common access issues

If you encounter connectivity issues, use the following methods to resolve them:

Accessing your server via IP KVM
IP KVM provides direct access to your server’s hardware-level interface, bypassing SSH or RDP restrictions. This is especially useful for diagnosing hardware issues or managing servers not responding to remote protocols.

For step-by-step guidance, refer to:
Instructions for accessing and managing servers through Cherry Servers client portal.
Resetting the root password
Have you forgotten your root password? Boot your server into "Rescue Mode" to securely reset it. "Rescue Mode" allows you to perform critical recovery tasks without booting into the main operating system.

Follow the detailed steps:
Resetting the Root password using “Rescue Mode”.
Changing user passwords
- For Linux: Use the passwd command in an SSH session to update user credentials.
- For Windows: Use the Local User Manager or PowerShell for password changes.
Refer to:
- How to change a user password on a Linux server
- Accessing a Windows Server from Windows and Linux, and changing user passwords.
Using "Rescue Mode" for troubleshooting
''Rescue Mode" is a diagnostic environment designed for resolving server issues such as corrupted filesystems or boot-loader failures. It is a powerful tool for recovery and repair.

Learn more:
How to use "Rescue mode" to troubleshoot your server?
Mounting an ISO using the JAVA console
Mounting an ISO file is essential for installations, live recovery, or running diagnostic tools on your server, particularly when troubleshooting operating system issues.

Follow our guide for step-by-step instructions:
How to mount an ISO image on dedicated servers using JAVA console?

Summary

Following this guide, you can efficiently connect to your Linux or Windows server using SSH or RDP, manage server resources, and troubleshoot common access issues. Whether you're performing routine administrative tasks, managing server configurations, or resolving access problems, the outlined steps and referenced tutorials provide the necessary support to ensure seamless server management.

If you still encounter any issues with your server's availability or functionality, feel free to contact the Cherry Servers support team at support@cherryservers.com. Our team will happily assist you and resolve the issue quickly.