How to add local user to domain vcenter server install

Mystical_Ice
Mystical_Ice used Ask the Experts™
on
Hi,
Set up vcenter server 5 on a windows 2008 machine that's a member server on a domain.

I'm able to log into vcenter server just fine, and can create permissions for users on the domain, but i'm not sure how to create a local user.

I'm afraid one day we may need to log into vcenter server and the domain controllers may be down, and we won't be able to

Please let me know
Thanks
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traoher

Commented:
Are you referring to login to the vSphere client connecting to your vcenter?
traoher
Commented:
To give local account to connect to vcenter, you click on Home, Roles, Administrator

Then  right click on "Administrator" and select "New" then follow the screen.
VMware and Virtualization Consultant
Fellow 2018
Expert of the Year 2017
Commented:
Add a Local User to the Local Users on the Member Server.

e.g. Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Users and Groups, Add a Local User in the Administrators Group. (which has probably already got Domain Admins in!)
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Mystical_Ice

Author

Commented:
OHHH - Duh... create a new local user on the server hosting vcenter server.  Got it.

I was thinking it would be something like when you connect to an individual ESXi host; where you can go and create a new user on the host, and then add permissions to it, etc.

Is this a common concern for a vcenter server installed on a member server of a domain?  I mean in the event domain controllers are offline, you lose all functionality unless you have a local account login?
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert / EE Fellow)VMware and Virtualization Consultant
Fellow 2018
Expert of the Year 2017

Commented:
You can always connect direct to the ESXi servers using vSphere Client. (just make sure you know the root account password)
Mystical_Ice

Author

Commented:
Yeah but connecting directly to the ESXi hosts wouldn't allow me to take advantage of vcenter server features that I would usually want to do in the event I'm unable to login to the vcenter server with domain credentials - which would usually mean i'd need to do something like vmotion, etc.
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert / EE Fellow)VMware and Virtualization Consultant
Fellow 2018
Expert of the Year 2017

Commented:
That's true, but when in a Disaster Recover or Emergency, all you need to do is Manage ESXi!

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