Tech Support Mode
- Logging in directly on the console of the ESXi server.
- Logging in remotely via SSH.
Using Tech Support Mode
Enabling and Accessing Tech Support Mode
- At the DCUI of the ESXi host, press F2 and provide credentials when prompted. Press F2 again to proceed.
- Scroll to Troubleshooting Options and press Enter. This opens the Troubleshooting Mode Options wizard.
- To enable local TSM allowing users to log into the virtual console of the ESXi host.
ESXi 5.0: Select Enable ESXi Shell and press Enter. The right-hand panel mode should now indicate the “ESXi Shell is Enabled”.
ESXi 4.1: Select Local Tech Support and press Enter. The right-hand panel mode should now indicate the “Local TSM is Enabled”. - To enable remote TSM allowing users to login via SSH on the virtual console of the ESXi host.
ESXi 5.0: Select Enable SSH and press Enter. The right-hand panel mode should now indicate the “SSH is Enabled”.
ESXi 4.1: Select Remote Tech Support (SSH) and press Enter. The right-hand panel mode should now indicate the “Remote TSM (SSH) is Enabled”. - Optionally, if you want to configure the timeout for TSM:
ESXi 5.0: Select Modify ESXi Shell timeout and press Enter. Input the desired timeout value in minutes and press Enter.
ESXi 4.1: Select Modify Tech Support timeout and press Enter. Input the desired timeout value in minutes and press Enter. - Press Esc three times to return to the main DCUI screen.
- Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
- Click Security Profile > Properties.
ESXi 5.0: Select SSH or ESXi Shell and click Options.
ESXi 4.1: Select Local Tech Support or Remote Tech Support (SSH) and click Options. - Choose the desired startup policy and click Start, then click OK.
- Verify that the daemon selected in step 3 shows as running in the Services Properties window.
- Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
- Click Software>Advanced Settings.
ESXi 5.0: Change the UserVars.ESXiShellTimeOut field to the desired value.
ESXi 4.1: Change the UserVars.TSMTimeOut field to the desired value. - Click OK.
- At the main DCUI screen, press ALT+F1 simultaneously. This opens a virtual console window to the host.
- Provide credentials when prompted.
Note: When typing the password, characters are not displayed on the console.
- Open an SSH client.
- Specify the IP address or domain name of the ESX host.
Notes:
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- Directions may vary depending on what SSH client you are using. For more information, consult vendor documentation and support.
- By default, SSH works on TCP port 22.
- Provide credentials when prompted.
Source: VMware KB