Enable SSH in ESXi

puffed — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:03:47 +0000

By default ESXI does not have ssh enabled. Here is a work around to enable SSH. In the ESXi console you must go into TechSupport or Unsupported mode.

From the Console press alt+F1 – (Entering into this screen will not show you any type of prompt).

On this screen type: unsupported

Enter the root password ( if a root password is not set, alt+F2 to go back to the main ESXi screen and enter into the configuration menu to set the password and then repeat the sets above.)

Once at a prompt type: vi /etc/inetd.conf

In the list you will see #ssh. The “#” is commenting out the use of ssh.

Remove the # symbol by either pressing insert and back spacing the symbol or by pressing the “x” when the character is highlighted.

Now you can save the /etc/inetd.conf file by typing :wq!

Also if you messed-up the file in any way you can press ESC and type :q! This will exit the file without saving and drop you to the ~# prompt.

Once the file is :wq! you must restart the management services /sbin/services.sh restart or sometimes a full shutdown -r now

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puffed — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:26:21 +0000

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Enable SSH in ESXi

Welcome to Snorkel Turtle – My learning guide to everything technical.