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I was going to suggest that you just have them burn a CD with CentOS 5.3 on it...all you really need is CD1 if you do a bare bones install using a KVM over IP. We do it for our colos if they ask. Cant see why your hosting provider wouldnt, all they are out is the cost of the CD, and heck, who cant find a good use for a CentOS install CD? Had a whole wall of the AOL free trial CDs adorning my old cubicle....said cubicle being @ a AOL support center.
So you are the jerk who wouldn't let me cancel my AOL account! ;-P
Just kidding...