Prepare a host for managed environments
Get the machine that runs Chetty ready so managed Projects can create their first environment.
Before you start
Only administrators can prepare a host. Preparation runs once, and later environments reuse it.
Check the host
- Open Settings → Plugins → Environments.
- Open Host and read the Machine environment panel.
- Read every area: Container tools, System services, Privileged boundary, Machine access policy, Network isolation, Published root filesystems and Existing environments. Each requirement shows Ready or Missing.
The panel reports one of three states: Ready for new environments, Ready and cached locally or Preparation required.
Prepare the host
- Select Prepare host.
- Follow Preparation progress through Preparing host services, Caching the root filesystem and Checking readiness.
- Try the first start again once the panel reports Ready for new environments.
What preparation sets up
| Area | What it provides |
|---|---|
| Container tools | Operating-system packages required to launch systemd machines. |
| System services | Root-owned unit templates and services that start and supervise machines. |
| Privileged boundary | The fixed helper contract and host compatibility checks. |
| Machine access policy | The narrow policy used for machine lifecycle operations. |
| Network isolation | Forwarding, link configuration and fixed isolation rules for private machine links. |
| Published root filesystems | Pinned archives this release can verify and materialize. Missing local copies are downloaded during preparation or first use. |
| Existing environments | Compatibility state of environment records already stored on this instance. |
Root filesystems
The host retrieves and verifies a published root filesystem when it is needed. Creating an environment requires a prepared host and an available, verifiable root filesystem, so the first start is refused when a requirement is missing.
Older environments
Environments and snapshots left from the removed Podman runtime cannot be started or restored. They can be deleted individually or with their Project; delete the Project and create it again to get a working environment.
Check that it worked
The panel reports Ready for new environments, and the Project's first Start environment finishes instead of being refused.
If it does not work
- A requirement stays missing: retry Prepare host and read Preparation progress. A failed step names what it needs.
- A root filesystem cannot be downloaded: check the host's network access, then prepare the host again.
- Disk figures are missing or a disk limit is refused: the sandbox data directory must be on a disk or partition the host can account for.
Related guides
Continue with Start, stop and snapshot an environment, Set environment limits and networking or Environments overview.