forgot root password 7.0.2 host

[mtirman]

Password miss-placed and need to reset root password and everything I am reading say's re-install??

[stadi13]

Hi @mtirman 

You can reset the root password with a linux you need to create. You can find the required steps here: https://www.nakivo.com/blog/best-way-reset-esxi-default-password/

Keep in mind, that this is not a official support way. VMware recommend to reinstall ESX.

Regards Daniel

Please let a kudo here, if this help

[Fred_vBrain]

Hi all,

unfortunately the method from Nakivo is not working anymore with 7.0 U2 and higher as the local.tgz is now encrypted.

https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/7.0/com.vmware.vsphere.security.doc/GUID-9AA429CE-2D90-4B7...

Before vSphere 7.0 Update 2, the archived configuration file is unencrypted. As a result, it is possible for an attacker who has access to the physical ESXi storage to read and alter this file while the system is offline.

If you have the host connected to a vCenter you can create a Host Profile and set with this a new root password. Otherwise I guess you are out of luck here.

Cheers,

Fred