VMware ESXi 7.0.1 root password reset

[CompuAnnan]

i have problem with my vmware esxi 7.0.1 root password. we changed it but did not keep record of the new one and it was lost. we need to reset the password.

i have several vm machines and i do not want to lose them.

i tried upgrading to newer version(tried it on other stand alone server not the one i have problem with) but did not work since it did not ask for a new root password.

i can not restart or shutdown since i wont be able to turn on my vm machines again and i will get in big problem.

is there a way to reset the root password without losing my vm machines? 

[scott28tt]

Thread reported so moderators know it should be moved to the area for ESXi.

[CompuAnnan]

is it wrong to post it here?

[CompuAnnan]

is it wrong to post here?

[scott28tt]

I can't remember which area you posted your thread in originally, but if you look at the path towards the top of the page you'll see it was moved by a moderator:

 

[SCIJLW · Accepted solution]

Are you on vCenter by chance?  If so, then you can use Host Profiles to reset the root password.  Otherwise, you can re-install ESXi with a new password and it won't reformat the VMFS drives, if you have ESXi on a separate drive(s) from the VM datastore.  If they are intermingled, I would export the VMs and then re-install, re-import the VM.

[irigoyen]

As @SCIJLW already reffered. You can do it with Host profile.

Here the KB: https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/68079

[CompuAnnan]

hi thanks for your reply. no i am not on vcenter.

Reinstalling ESXI keeps my VM drives? no risk at all?

they are all on the same drive.

[Tibmeister]

LILO?

[mrtgokul]

If your Esxi server is managed by vCenter we can use PowerCLI to reset your Password. This wont cause any downtime.

[CompuAnnan]

Reinstall with new password worked for me. All VM machine remained and no harm. 

Thanks for all the help from everyone