How Long does it Take to Set up a Dedicated Server?

Consumers today are accustomed to wanting a product or service, being able to go online and buy it, and have it within seconds – especially if that product is something that can be done online. But when it comes to web hosting, especially dedicated server web hosting, that’s unfortunately just not the case. When you sign up for a dedicated server, it will take some time before it’s fully installed and ready to run your website. The question is, just how much time?

The answer to that will depend on the web host you choose, and the type of dedicated hosting plan you’re looking for. Typically, it takes at least one business day to get any dedicated server set up and installed; but that’s the minimum amount of time if the server is going to remain with the web host. If the server is being purchased and will remain on the customer’s property, the time of installation could take even longer, as not all business owners may have the right tools and space needed to install it immediately.

However this doesn’t always mean that if the dedicated server stays with the web host that it will only take one day, either. If the server needs to be customized at all, have add-ons installed, or anything else done to it, it can take two or sometimes even three days before the server is fully installed. If you’re ever going to be adding things onto your server, such as add-ons, after it’s been installed initially, these features will take a day or two to be available. The rest of the server should continue to operate as normal.

Of course, web hosts will have different policies regarding payment, and some will require that at least your first payment has been received and processed before they will even begin to set up your server. This is a fairly common practice, and allows the web host to protect themselves from multiple defaulted accounts. If you want to avoid this wait time for the payment to go through, consider an instant payment method, such as using a credit card or online money order, if your web host accepts it.

Making the decision to buy or rent a dedicated server is an exciting one; and the chances are good that you can’t wait to get it and start using it to its fullest. But it’s important to remember that these types of servers are highly complex, especially if you’re customizing yours to make your website even more accessible and usable by visitors. For that reason, you’ll need to have patience and wait at least a day or two before your dedicated server is up and running.

While that may seem like a long time, especially when your website is at stake, you’ll find that the waiting time is well worth it once you see that your website is all you had envisioned it to be and more!