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How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

  • 1.  How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 11:39 AM

    I have an ESXI hypervisor installed on a server with centOS installed as a guest operating system and have it's terminal opened. I want to open Direct Console User Interface (that black and yellow configuration menu) as shown below. I have tried Alt+F2 but DCUI does not open



  • 2.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 12:35 PM

    Pressing Alt + F2 should get you back to the DCUI Console.

    Try: Fn + Alt + F2



  • 3.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 01:02 PM

    I have tried it. Doesn't work. I tried to reboot the system because the DCUI appears usually on reboot, but it did not.  It just showed centOS terminal right away. Have I disabled it maybe some how? What should I do?



  • 4.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 12:46 PM

    You need to enable the ESXi Shell. Log into that screen using F2, look under "Troubleshooting Options" and ensure the shell is enabled.

    Then you switch to the shell with "Alt-F1".

    "Alt-F2" takes you back to the yellow/black screen you're already looking at.



  • 5.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 12:56 PM

    Actually, I want to open that black/yellow screen. The picture shown is what I want to open (I don't have it opened already).



  • 6.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 01:03 PM

    When you boot the server it should directly take you to the black and yellow screen that is shown in the picture. What do you currently see on your screen?

    Thanks!



  • 7.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 01:04 PM

    It shows the centOS console that's installed right away.



  • 8.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 01:11 PM

    I don't understand from where centOS is coming into picture?

    Where is ESXi installed on? On a physical server/machine or is it a VM? If its VM are you using vmware workstation/player? Please elaborate your question. Send picture what you see in your screen currently.



  • 9.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 05:08 PM

    If you want to configure the host via DCUI, press "F2" without any modifier key.


    André



  • 10.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 01:34 PM

    Make your question clear first. If you're really on ESXi, Alt+F2 will switch to DCUI.



  • 11.  RE: How to open Direct Console User Interface in ESXI server

    Posted Nov 12, 2018 09:25 PM

    Alternatively...

    If your ESXi is already configured, enable ssh from vsphere client and then putty to the ESXi server and type "dcui"

    If you are having problem in logging in directly, even after trying all the suggestions provided by the experts here, try to change your keyboard.. or at least confirm the key strokes are yielding right inputs to the OS.