topic Re: Forgot the root password in ESXi Discussions

Forgot the root password

RonESXi — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:18:37 GMT

Hi.

Anyway to access an ESXi box if the root password has been forgotten?

scott28tt — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:22:58 GMT

As your post needs moving to the area for ESXi, I have reported it to the volunteer moderators.

Quickdraw — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:54:41 GMT

Check out this thread.

IRIX201110141 — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:53:38 GMT

If its managed by a vCenter:

let the ESXi join the Windows AD too and you can log into ESXi with AD credentials and change password
With the help of a Host Profile you can set a new ESXi root password as well (needs Enterprise Plus)

or when its a ESXi 6.7

Booting with a Linux LiveCD or the gpartedISO and extract bootbank TGZ and mount it. You can that use "passwd" to write into the etc/shadow. Done that a dozen of time in the last years. It took 15min.

Regards,
Joerg

MShashoug — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 23:52:59 GMT

Check this blog:

4 ways to reset root password

maksym007 — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:18:36 GMT

In case this is a standalone host - reinstall ESXi but preserve your VMFS datastore. VMs will stay with you.