ESXi 6.7 Root Password Reset

[Craig Gordon]

Unfortunately the root password has been misplaced for a few ESXi hosts I run.  Its running with a standard license so I cannot reset via Host Profiles.  I have tried adding the hosts to the domain and for one reason or another that method is not working.

I am struggling to find a way to reset this.

It seems much more simple in my V8 lab as I can enter a service mode on reboot and alter a file.  I cant seem to do this on 6.7.

Any tips?

[a_p_]

If the host is connected to vCenter Server, you may want to take a look at e.g. https://kallesplayground.wordpress.com/2021/02/19/change-esxi-root-password-using-esxcli/ which explains how to reset root passwords via PowerCLI.

André

[E_Espinel]

Hello.
There are many methods and links on how to reset the root password on an ESXi server. You can do a google search like reset password ESXi 6.7.

The solution recommended at the time by VMware was to reinstall the VMware ESXi (with the install preserving datastores option) with the same version and distribution you currently have and then reconfigure all your settings.

As a general precaution I suggest you perform the following steps:
1. have the ISO of the current ESXi version handy, on a USB key or CD. worst case scenario you will have to reinstall VMware ESXi and reconfigure it.
2. Move all VMs to another ESXi or get a full backup of them.
3. Have noted down all the ESXi configuration details such as IP, hostmane, DNS, Gatewy, mask, VMware licenses, HBA and virtual switch details and more data.

If in the end there is no other resource, we will reinstall the VMware ESXi from the ISO, but with the option to install but keep the existing datastore, and completely reconfigure, then add the VMs that should be in datastore.