In a new ESX4 install, you will have to permit logon for the root account
Go to your ESX server and enter F1
Logon with the root account password you used during installation.
enter: nano \etc\ssh\sshd_config and press enter
scroll down with the arrow key until you see PermitRootLogin and change the "no" to a "yes"
Crtl O to save the file and Crtl X to exit. Press F11 to return to startup screen on ESX
You should be able to logon now thru ssh now and do file transfers with scp
You say your ESX server has two nics. It better to have four nics at least.
Usually Nic0 is used for console connection and is on the same subnet as the network its connected to. You can team Nic1 and Nic2 on a virtual switch for your guest vms, Nic3 can be used for migration and such.
Can you send a screen shot of your networking configuration?
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