ESX server logon

[msi1234]

Hello,

Having a logon issue with ESX server. I am unsure of the userID and password for the server. Is there a backdoor I could use to access, or is there a password cracking software I could utilize?

[esiebert7625 · Accepted solution]

How can I reset a forgotten root password on my ESX Server?

• If you have forgotten the root password and have no way to change it rather then re-install ESX you can use the below procedure.

> Shutdown ESX and restart it at the first menu type ‘a'

> At the next prompt type ‘single'

> ESX will now go through the boot process and you will end up at a "#" prompt

> Type ‘passwd', enter a new password for root and re-type it when prompted

> Type ‘reboot' and you're done

Eric Siebert

VMware Communities User Moderator

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[Dave_Mishchenko]

The server will have a root login and that password would have been specified during the install. If you don't have that password you can do this to reset it.

1) restart ESX and at the start menu type is ESX -s -- this will boot the server in single user mode

2) once you have a prompt (#), enter the passwd command and enter your new password. Then reboot the server.

[msi1234]

When you guys say "Restart ESX", do you mean restart the server or restart the ESX software? I am a novice VMWare user so I am unsure on how to restart ESX if that is what you need me to do. So if you could advise me on how to do this, that would be great.

[esiebert7625]

The ESX software is the server, the ESX service console is the boot OS that runs the vmKernel. All you need to do is type "reboot" at the service console to restart the ESX server.

Eric Siebert

VMware Communities User Moderator

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[msi1234]

When I reboot the server it is bringing me up to a screen that is asking for a 'locallogon'. From that screen I am unable to run the 'reboot' command or the command to change the root password. Any ideas?

[esiebert7625]

You can't type reboot until you login so you'll need to reboot using the VI Client or by powering it off. You'll need to press the keystroke before it starts booting when the boot menu is present.

Eric Siebert

VMware Communities User Moderator

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[msi1234]

Thank you for all the helpful information gentlemen, I was able to change the root password and access VMWare through the Infrastructure Client.