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Enabling SSH access on ESXi

Can SSH be enabled on ESXi host through VCenter? Or do you have to access the host directly?

Should be able to on the host via Client if you're on v5:
http://www.thomasmaurer.ch/2011/08/enable-ssh-on-esxi-5-via-vsphere-client/

~coolsport00

Anuroopsundd

Tech Support Mode (TSM) provides a command-line interface that can be used by the administrator to troubleshoot and correct abnormal conditions on VMware ESXi hosts. TSM can be accessed in two ways:
•Logging in directly on the console of the ESXi server.
•Logging in remotely via SSH.

To enable local or remote TSM from the vSphere Client:

1.Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
2.Click Security Profile > Properties.

ESXi 5.0: Select SSH or ESXi Shell and click Options.
ESXi 4.1: Select Local Tech Support or Remote Tech Support (SSH) and click Options.

3.Choose the desired startup policy and click Start, then click OK.
4.Verify that the daemon selected in step 3 shows as running in the Services Properties window

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1017910

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Anuroopsundd

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coolsport00

ANd here is the VMware KB just as FYI - http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2004746

sarasotamac

ASKER

Thanks. Follow up question. Can the host root password be reset from SSH?

coolsport00

According to here: http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1317898, the only way to reset a root pwd for ESXi is a reinstall.

coolsport00

Altho...saw this post: http://www.bock.nu/blog/reset-root-password-vmware-esxi-4.1, and this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoL43UBpVyI&feature=youtu.be, on how to do it (but I don't recommend it since it's not supported).

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Thanks. Follow up question. Can the host root password be reset from SSH?

Yes, type passwd at the console or SSH prompt

~ # passwd
Changing password for root

You can now choose the new password or passphrase.

A valid password should be a mix of upper and lower case letters,
digits, and other characters. You can use a 7 character long
password with characters from at least 3 of these 4 classes, or
a 6 character long password containing characters from all the
classes. An upper case letter that begins the password and a
digit that ends it do not count towards the number of character
classes used.

A passphrase should be of at least 3 words, 8 to 40 characters
long, and contain enough different characters.

Alternatively, if noone else can see your terminal now, you can
pick this as your password: "cevzr_Vgnyl=sbeq".

Enter new password: