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What are the differences between configurable and package servers?

If you have to choose between a configurable server and a package server, there are a few differences you should consider. Package servers, often referred to as “Smart Value Root Servers”, offer solid performance and excellent value for money. They are a smart choice if you value a cost-effective solution with reliable basic features and want to keep an eye on your budget. These servers are particularly suitable if you do not need extensive web interface functions and are looking for a reliable platform without long-term commitment.

On the other hand, configurable servers offer maximum flexibility and are ideal for projects that evolve and grow. They allow you to customize and even expand server resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage space. These servers seamlessly adapt to the requirements of your project, whether you prefer Linux or Windows.


Here is a list of points that differ between the two types of servers:

  • Price advantage: Smart Value Root Servers offer a price advantage due to less flexibility.
  • Flexibility: Configurable servers are maximally flexible in adjusting resources.
  • Scalability: With configurable servers, you can scale CPU, RAM, and NVMe as needed.
  • Customization of hardware: Hardware components can be freely chosen for configurable servers.
  • Operating system: While configurable servers support various operating systems such as Windows Server 2019/2022, package servers only offer Linux systems and an ISO install system.
  • Web interface functions: If you don’t place much value on extensive web interface functions, package servers can be a good choice.
  • Immediate termination: You can return configurable servers at any time and receive the remaining term as credit. This is not possible with package servers.
  • Customer service: Both server variants offer the same 24/7 customer service via ticket.

Ultimately, it depends on what is most important for your project: cost optimization or the ability to tailor your server exactly to your needs.

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Extend Windows Server Trial Period (Windows Rearm)

If you rent a Windows Server from us, we automatically equip the server with an evaluation (trial) license. This license is valid for 180 days and can be used during the system setup. After this period, a valid Windows license must be provided.

When the trial period ends, the Windows Server will automatically shut down.

Resetting the Trial Period

If your 180-day trial period is not enough, you can reset your server’s trial period up to 5 times.

Open the Windows Command Prompt as an Administrator (cmd) and enter the following command:

slmgr.vbs /rearm

This command resets the trial license period that has already elapsed. After entering this command, a server restart is necessary.

Your server is now usable for another 180 days.

License Terms

It is important to note that failing to activate Windows, even if the system seems to work fine after the intended period, constitutes a violation of the license terms agreed upon with Microsoft.

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Why is the RAM usage displayed differently in htop compared to VCP?

You have probably experienced this before: you use tools like htop, free -h, or take a look at /proc/meminfo on your Linux server and find that the RAM usage differs. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many developers encounter this question. We want to help you understand these differences and shed light on the Linux memory management.

It can also happen in the web interface that you see something different from what is shown in htop.

Understanding Linux Memory Management

Linux manages the Random Access Memory (RAM) in a complex way to ensure efficient resource utilization. The memory is not only used by active applications but also for caching data to improve system performance. This often leads to confusion when reading the actual memory usage.

Why htop shows something different from free -h and /proc/meminfo

  • htop: This interactive tool shows the processes and their memory usage in real-time. htop classifies memory into different categories (e.g., used, free, buffered, cached), which can result in higher utilization values since it also includes memory reserved for caching and buffering.
  • free -h: The free command provides an overview of the total memory and the used, free, and memory used by buffers and cache. The -h option ensures a easily readable output. The discrepancy with htop can be due to the different interpretation of “free” and “available”.
  • /proc/meminfo: This virtual file contains detailed information about the memory status of the system. It is the most comprehensive source of memory data, providing numerous entries for different memory types and reservations. However, interpreting this data requires in-depth technical understanding.

The differences in displaying RAM usage between different tools result from their different approaches to classifying and measuring memory. Deep understanding of Linux memory management helps in correctly interpreting and utilizing this information. Our developments aim to provide you with precise and useful tools to optimize the management of your virtual servers.

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vServer with OpenVZ Have Been Discontinued. What’s Next?

FAQ: Shutdown of the OpenVZ Platform – Update 1 June 2025

TL;DR

  • 21 February 2024 – We removed OpenVZ 7 servers from our shop and marked them as outdated.
  • 5 May 2025 – All OpenVZ systems were shut down and deleted.
  • 1 June 2025 – The migration period and special deals ended. Any data that was not migrated is now permanently lost.

According to our Terms and Conditions, you must keep your email address up to date. Multiple reminder emails – including the final shutdown email – were sent and are considered delivered.

What Changes?

Until 5 May 2025 From 6 May 2025
Sale of New OpenVZ Servers Stopped on 21 February 2024 Still stopped
Operation of Existing OpenVZ Servers Available Ended
Data Availability Accessible Permanently deleted
Migration Support / Discounts Offered until 5 May 2025 Expired

What Does This Mean for You?

  • Already Migrated? → Great, your work is done.
  • Not Migrated? → Your OpenVZ server is offline and the data cannot be recovered.
  • Email Not Received? → Please check your contact details. You are responsible for keeping your information up to date.

Options After the Shutdown

  • New KVM Products: Try our Root and vServer “Smart Value” or “Configurable 3.0” available in the shop.
  • No More Special Discounts: All extra benefits (for example, one month free) ended on 5 May 2025.
  • IP Takeover: This is no longer possible on a technical level.

Host-Specific Information

Host System Status Recommendation
virt-host110 A hardware error made it unreachable even before the shutdown Data recovery was possible via a temporary reboot until 5 May 2025; it is not available today
virt-host109 Some vServers were moved here when a reboot on 110 was not possible The same applies: After 6 May 2025, no data is available

Self-Migration via SSH (Historical)

Until 5 May 2025, you could transfer your data via SSH from OpenVZ to your new KVM server. We keep the guide online for archival reasons:
https://support.prepaid-hoster.de/faq/de/virtuelle-server/ssh-linux-server-daten-uebertragen.html

Terms

Root Server Configurable 3.0
Enjoy maximum flexibility, high bandwidth, free backups, and billing by the minute.

Root Server “Smart Value”
These are preconfigured price/performance packages, optionally IPv6‑only, without sub-second billing.

FAQ

Can I still buy an OpenVZ vServer somewhere?
No, this product line has been permanently discontinued.

Can my old OpenVZ server be converted to KVM later on?
No. Any data that was not migrated has been deleted.

Where can I now find affordable virtual servers?
Our KVM “Smart Value” line is a cost-effective option.

I heard about “one month free” – is that still available?
No, this special offer ended on 5 May 2025.

I never received the shutdown emails – what should I do?
Please contact our support team, but note that deleted data cannot be recovered. Make sure your contact details are updated.

Support

If you have any questions about our current KVM products, we are here to help.

Last updated: 1 June 2025

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Can I install Windows Server in a language other than German?

Yes, it is possible to install Windows Server in a different language. However, by default, our automatic installer only provides Windows Server in German. This default setting is intended to appeal to a wide user base and simplify the installation process for most of our customers.

Installing a different language

What do I need to do to install Windows Server in a different language?

If you want to use Windows Server in a language other than German, you need to perform a manual installation. This means starting the Windows Server installation with a specific ISO file in the desired language. You can find more information on how to use ISO files here.

The manual installation of Windows Server in a different language requires a basic understanding of server management and configuration. Make sure to carefully follow all necessary steps to ensure a correct installation and setup of your server.

Is there support for manual installation?

We provide guides and support for the process of uploading and installing using an ISO file. For specific questions regarding the installation or configuration of Windows Server in a different language, we recommend consulting the official Microsoft resources or our community forums, where you can find help and advice from other experienced users.

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Why UCEPROTECT as a Spam List is Unreliable!

Yes, we have a problem with a blacklist. This list is so unreliable that we had to write a FAQ about it.

Many customers come to us complaining that mxtoolbox shows a blacklist entry. Usually, it is the same provider judging our IP addresses: UCEPROTECT – and we are not alone in these concerns, as seen in our following criticism.

We are completely against spam emails. Nobody likes an inbox full of pharmacy ads, awkward penis enlargement offers, or money scams.

What is the problem? UCEPROTECT uses several levels of spam protection. Level 1 checks the individual IP address, Level 2 checks the whole IP network, and Level 3 checks the entire network provider. We host our servers in the Netlinq/Synlinq network at Maincubes (Offenbach am Main). This means we are not alone. Many small and large providers share the same network or ASN – much like how many people use the same home internet provider, such as Telekom or Vodafone.

At UCEPROTECT Level 3, their system marks a whole network provider as a spammer if even a small fraction of the IP addresses in the network (AS) send spam. This is hard to avoid. A customer of another hosting company could cause our IP addresses to be listed. We are not blaming any other host; only that host should be “punished,” not everyone sharing the network.

But the practices go even further: For a lot of money, you can pay to have your address removed from the list for a few days. This does not solve the problem—it’s just extortion. If you take a closer look at their website, you can see that it is no longer well maintained.

We have no contact with UCEPROTECT and no way to remove IP addresses from Level 3. We see every mail server operator who uses this list to check for spam as an accomplice in these shady practices. Email hosting already faces many challenges, and some protections help in the end—but this list is not one of them.

We sincerely apologize if the UCEPROTECT Level 3 entry brought you to this page. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. If you do not have any problems sending emails, you can simply ignore this spam list – reputable mail providers will not use it by 2025.

Please contact our support if you need help – together we can see if a solution is possible.

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How long does the provisioning process take?

When you order something from us, you don’t want to wait long. Generally, all services are provisioned immediately unless otherwise communicated (low stock, maintenance, etc.).

We provide information in the following table about the approximate wait time until you can start using a service after ordering it.

Provisioning Duration of our Servers

Service Duration More Information
OpenVZ vServer 1-2 minutes
KVM Root Server 2-4 minutes
KVM Windows Server 2-3 minutes + 15 minutes manual installation
Dedicated Server Linux 5-20 minutes Longer waiting times possible
Dedicated Server Windows 5-20 minutes Longer waiting times possible
+ 15 minutes manual installation
Web Hosting Package 2-3 minutes The first order with PSC will be manually reviewed by an employee

Provisioning Duration of Domains

Domain Duration More Information
Domain registration 5 minutes The first domain will be manually reviewed by an employee
Domain transfer 5 minutes For some TLDs, the transfer may take up to 7 days

Addons

Addon Duration More Information
Plesk License Immediately
Remote Storage Immediately
PPH Pro Immediately

If your order takes longer, feel free to contact us in support after waiting for some time. We will then provide you with information about how much longer it will approximately take.

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Can I run a VPN server on my server?

Basically, it is okay to run your own VPN server on your vServer. However, there are some restrictions.

Restrictions on virtual servers

In order to continue offering traffic based on the Fair Use principle, we restrict some use cases on our vServers.

VPN can be used under the following conditions:

  • Only for private purposes
  • The VPN access is only used by yourself and is not publicly operated
  • On virtual servers under 10€, traffic should remain below 1TB/month
  • On all other virtual servers, the total traffic must not exceed 2.5TB/month

To bypass these restrictions, additional traffic can be booked.

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How can credit be donated to me?

You run a project that can be financially supported by other members? Or does your friend want to give you some credit? No problem! With our donation link, you can receive credit.

Where can I find the donation link?

First, log in to the web interface.

Then scroll down to the bottom of the homepage in the customer area. You will find a box with the information about your donation link. Pretty hidden, right?

Donation details in the web interface

You can forward the link displayed there to your friends.

A donation page by Prepaid-Hoster.de

Can I change the displayed name?

Yes, you can! You just have to contact our support. We will then change the name on your donation page to a name of your choice. This way you can make sure that your “real name” does not have to be leaked.

Further important information

Please note that donated credit can never be refunded or transferred to another user account.