How To Reset Forgotten Vmware Esxi 6.5 Root Password

As a professional in the field of technology, it can be disheartening to discover that you've forgotten the root password for your VMware ESXi 6.5. But fear not, because there are effective methods available to reset the forgotten password and regain access to your ESXi host. Let's explore the steps to reset the VMware ESXi 6.5 root password and ensure smooth operation of your virtual environment.

To reset the forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password, you can utilize the VMware vSphere management interface. This interface allows you to reset the password using various methods, such as utilizing the ESXi Shell, rebooting the host, or leveraging the vSphere high availability cluster. By following these simple and reliable methods, you can regain access to your ESXi 6.5 host and continue managing your virtual environment without interruptions or security concerns.

Understanding the Importance of Resetting Forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 Root Password

Resetting the root password in VMware ESXi 6.5 is a crucial task that every system administrator should be familiar with. The root account enables full administrative access to the ESXi host, allowing you to manage virtual machines and configure various settings. However, individuals may occasionally forget the root password, leading to restricted access and potential operational issues. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in resetting the forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password, ensuring seamless management and maintenance of your virtual infrastructure.

Step 1: Accessing the ESXi Host Console

The first step in resetting the forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password is to access the ESXi host console. This can be achieved through several methods:

• Directly connecting a keyboard and monitor to the physical server
• Accessing the ESXi host through a remote management interface such as iLO or iDRAC
• Using a remote console application like VMware vSphere Client or VMware vSphere Web Client

Once you establish a connection with the ESXi host console, proceed to the next step to reset the root password.

Step 2: Rebooting the ESXi Host

In the second step, you need to reboot the ESXi host to initiate the password reset process. To do this, follow these instructions:

• Press the F2 key to customize the system settings when prompted during the ESXi host boot process.
• Enter the root password if you remember it; otherwise, proceed to the next step.
• Navigate to the "Troubleshooting Options" menu.
• Select "Enable ESXi Shell" to enable shell access during the reboot.
• Press the Enter key to reboot the ESXi host.

After rebooting, proceed to the next step for the root password reset.

Step 3: Resetting the Root Password

Resetting the root password is the main goal of this process. Follow these steps to accomplish this:

• When the ESXi host finishes booting, press the F2 key to access the system settings.
• Scroll down and select "Reset System Configuration." This step will reset the password and clear any custom configurations.
• Wait for the system configurations to reset.
• Once the reset is complete, navigate to the "Configure Password" option.
• Enter a desired new password for the root account.
• Confirm the password by entering it again.
• Save the new password settings.

After completing these steps, you have successfully reset the forgotten root password for VMware ESXi 6.5. Remember to keep the new password secure and accessible to authorized personnel only.

Step 4: Verifying the Password Reset

To ensure that the password reset was successful, follow these steps:

• Reboot the ESXi host again.
• Access the system settings by pressing the F2 key.
• Enter the newly reset root password.
• If the password is accepted, you have successfully completed the password reset process.

With the password reset and verification complete, you can now regain full administrative control over your VMware ESXi 6.5 host.

Exploring Additional Options for VMware ESXi 6.5 Root Password Reset

In addition to the method discussed above, there are other options available for resetting the forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password:

Using the VMware Host Profile

The VMware Host Profile feature allows you to create configuration profiles for ESXi hosts and apply them uniformly across multiple servers. If you have a Host Profile created before forgetting the root password, you can use it to reset the password for the affected ESXi host. This method requires having a vCenter Server managing your ESXi infrastructure.

Step 1: Applying the Host Profile

Start by applying the previously created Host Profile to the affected ESXi host:

• Open the vSphere Web Client or vSphere Client.
• Navigate to the "Hosts and Clusters" view.
• Select the ESXi host with the forgotten root password.
• Click on the "Configure" tab.
• Under "Host Profiles," locate the profile that was created before the password was forgotten.
• Select the profile and click "Apply Profile."
• Follow the prompts to apply the Host Profile to the ESXi host.

Step 2: Changing the Root Password

After applying the Host Profile, the root password should be reset to the default value specified in the profile:

• Access the ESXi host console or remote management interface.
• Log in using the default root password specified in the Host Profile.
• Change the root password to a new value using the ESXi host's command line or GUI.
• Ensure the new password is secure and accessible to authorized personnel only.

This method allows you to use the VMware Host Profile feature to centrally manage multiple ESXi hosts and reset root passwords when necessary.

Using a VMware ESXi Installation ISO

If you don't have a Host Profile or vCenter Server available, you can reset the VMware ESXi 6.5 root password using the installation ISO. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Rebooting the ESXi Host

Start by rebooting the ESXi host and booting from the VMware ESXi installation ISO:

• Insert the VMware ESXi installation CD or ISO into the server.
• Reboot the ESXi host.
• During the boot process, ensure the server is set to boot from the CD/DVD or ISO image.

Step 2: Starting the ESXi Installer

Once the server is set to boot from the installation ISO, follow these instructions to start the ESXi installer:

• Press the Enter key to start the ESXi installer.
• Wait for the installer to load and display the Welcome screen.
• Press the Shift + O keys together to access the boot options.
• Add the boot option "runweasel" to bypass the installer and access the ESXi shell.
• Press Enter to continue with the boot sequence.

Step 3: Resetting the Root Password

With the ESXi installer loaded and the boot options configured, you can reset the root password:

• At the "Welcome to the VMware ESXi X.X.X Installation" screen, press Alt + F1 to access the ESXi shell.
• Enter the following command to navigate to the password file location:
  cd /etc/passwd.d
• Edit the root password file using the following command:
  vi root:passwd
  Note: X.X.X represents the version number of ESXi.
• Locate the line starting with "root" and edit the password field to remove the encrypted content.
  For example, change:
  root:$6$ZZJqlaL5$pSzSxhNMAbnHXDkYB/ratCTLsCwMZ4RFWOpAQA0EMxHeA4Iqe5myT.417rj4tkB6mpy2aXf13YPQTOPKr8KW.:0:0:root:/root:/bin/ash
  to:
  root::0:0:root:/root:/bin/ash
• Save the changes and exit the vi editor.
• Press Alt + F2 to return to the installer screen.
• Continue the ESXi installation process by following the on-screen prompts.
• Once installation is complete, remove the installation media and reboot the ESXi host.

With the host rebooted, you can now log in to the ESXi host using the root account and no password. Remember to set a new root password for enhanced security.

In Conclusion

Resetting a forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password is an important task to regain control over the virtual infrastructure. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully reset the root password and ensure uninterrupted management and maintenance of your VMware ESXi 6.5 host. Remember to always keep the new password secure and accessible to authorized personnel only to prevent unauthorized access and protect your virtual infrastructure.

Resetting Forgotten Vmware Esxi 6.5 Root Password

If you have forgotten the root password for your VMware ESXi 6.5, don't panic. There are a few methods you can try to regain access to your ESXi host:

• Method 1: Using the Wbem method
• Method 2: Using the ESXi installer DVD
• Method 3: Using the ESXi installer ISO file
• Method 4: Using the ESXi Tech Support Mode
• Method 5: Using the ESXi Shell
• Method 6: Using the Host Profiles

To execute these methods, it is recommended that you have physical access to the ESXi host. If you have virtual access, it is suggested to restart the host and boot into the bootloader menu to access the recovery options.

Remember that resetting the root password will require a reboot of the ESXi host, which may cause downtime for the virtual machines running on it. Therefore, it is essential to plan and schedule such actions during a maintenance window to minimize any impact on your environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about resetting a forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password:

1. Can I reset the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5?

Yes, it is possible to reset the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5. However, the process may vary depending on the access and permissions you have on the ESXi host.

If you have physical access to the host, you can reset the root password by following the steps provided by VMware in their documentation. If you don't have physical access, you may need to contact the server administrator or the person responsible for managing the ESXi host to assist you in resetting the password.

2. What are the steps to reset the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5?

The steps to reset the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5 vary depending on the situation. If you have physical access to the ESXi host, you can reset the password by rebooting the host, entering the Recovery Mode, and following the instructions provided by VMware in their documentation.

If you don't have physical access to the host, you may need to contact the server administrator or the person responsible for managing the ESXi host to reset the password for you.

3. Are there any risks involved in resetting the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5?

Resetting the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5 may have some risks associated with it. For example, if the ESXi host is part of a cluster or a production environment, resetting the password may cause temporary loss of connectivity or disruption of services.

It's important to carefully consider the potential impact before proceeding with a password reset. It's recommended to plan and coordinate the password reset with the appropriate teams and follow any documented procedures or best practices to minimize any potential risks.

4. Can I recover the root password without resetting it?

If you have forgotten the root password for VMware ESXi 6.5, recovering it without resetting it may not be possible. VMware provides a mechanism to reset the password, but there is no official way to recover a forgotten password without resetting it.

It's important to ensure you have proper backups and documentation of any configuration settings or customizations before attempting to reset the root password.

5. What can I do if I don't have access to the ESXi host to reset the root password?

If you don't have access to the ESXi host to reset the root password, you may need to contact the server administrator or the person responsible for managing the ESXi host. They should be able to assist you in resetting the password or providing you with the necessary access to regain control of the host.

It's important to follow proper procedures and protocols in obtaining access to the ESXi host, as unauthorized access or password recovery attempts may violate security policies and procedures.

To conclude, resetting a forgotten VMware ESXi 6.5 root password is a crucial task for accessing and managing your virtual environment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can regain control and maintain the security of your ESXi host.

Remember to always keep your root password in a secure place and to regularly update it to prevent unauthorized access. With a few simple steps, you can quickly reset your forgotten root password and continue managing your ESXi host effectively.