MarvinMC The regular QEMU/KVM container can mount an ISO as a virtual CD/DVD. Uploading alone preserves the existing virtual disk.
Step by step
- Back up important data outside the VM and create a snapshot where possible. Obtain the ISO from a trusted source.
- Stop the VM and open Operating system. Select a bootable x86-64 .iso file and choose Upload ISO.
- Follow upload progress. Transfers use small chunks. If interrupted, select the same unchanged file again within 24 hours to resume.
- The new ISO needs free server storage in addition to the previous ISO and virtual disk. The existing ISO is retained until the upload succeeds.
- After upload, the ISO is mounted and ISO first is selected. For installers without VirtIO drivers, select SATA/AHCI and Intel E1000 while stopped, then save.
- Start the VM and open Console → VNC. Complete installation or recovery in the guest, carefully selecting the target disk.
- After installation, stop the VM, choose Disk first and optionally unmount the ISO under Operating system, save, and start again. Unmounting keeps the stored ISO file.
Check the result
The installed system boots from disk and is accessible through the console. Then configure guest networking, SSH/RDP and the firewall.
Important
An installer can erase the disk. Upload validation recognizes the image format but does not guarantee that it boots or is safe. Changing controllers after installation can cause driver issues.