Are you a tech user who is now stuck with the problem of how to reset Esxi 6.5 root password? This article is a great starting point and explains the step-by-step process for resetting the password for this popular and powerful virtualization software. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need about the process of resetting the root password for the ESXi 6.5 virtualization, a powerful server virtualization solution created by VMware for the enterprise environment. Learn how to effectively reset your root password to easily and securely access your ESXi 6.5 virtualization environment and keep your data secure. With this detailed advice, you’ll be able to successfully reset your Esxi 6.5 root password without any hassle.
1. Forgetting Your ESXi 6.5 Root Password? Reset It Now!
If you can’t remember your ESXi 6.5 root password, don’t worry – resetting it is easy! Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- From the command line, create a single-use password that will let you log in to ESXi.
- Log into the system using the single-use password.
- Run the passwd command in the root directory.
- Follow the prompts to create a new root password.
- Exit the system and log back in using your new password.
Once logged back in, remember to reset the single-use password and keep all your passwords secure. If you want an extra layer of security, you can run VMware’s User Access Control feature, which allows you to control which users can and cannot access certain areas on your system.
2. What Is ESXi 6.5 and Why Is Resetting the Root Password Important?
ESXi 6.5 is a feature-packed, enterprise-class server virtualization platform developed by VMware. It enables the creation of virtual machines on a single physical system, allowing businesses to benefit from improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and reliability.
Without a doubt, resetting the root password of your ESXi 6.5 virtual machine is essential. This allows you to gain access to the system’s administrative capabilities and restrict unauthorized activity. Resetting the root password can also protect you from malicious attacks and help you strengthen your security protocols. Benefits of resetting the root password include:
- Enhanced security: Resetting your root password helps increase the security of your virtual machine, protecting it from unauthorised access and cyberattacks.
- Improved uptime: By resetting the root password, your virtual machine will be able to run more efficiently and will be less prone to errors and outages.
- Enhanced scalability: Resetting your root password makes it easier for you to scale your virtual machine when needed.
3. Step-By-Step Guide to Resetting the ESXi 6.5 Root Password
Follow these steps carefully to reset the root password of your ESXi 6.5 system:
- Collect the Required Information – You will need the install media of ESXi 6.5 and the same host for which you want to reset the root password.
- Connect the Installer Media – Connect the ESXi 6.5 installer media as an ISO file to the server and boot the system from the media.
- Press the SHIFT+R Keys – This will bring up the Recovery Mode menu in the boot sequence. Use the arrow key to select the maintenance options.
- Key in the Password Command – Type “password” and hit Enter to access the Reset Root Password menu. Here you can reset the root password to a new value.
When you have correctly entered a new root password, press Enter to confirm the same. This will reinstate the root password with the new value you provided. After the reset process is complete, select “Reboot” to finish the task. Your ESXi 6.5 root password is now reset and secure.
4. Keep Your ESXi 6.5 System Safe and Secure – Review Security Best Practices
With the latest ESXi 6.5 software, you can now enjoy improved system security and safety. To ensure that your ESXi system remains safe and secure, here are a few of our top security best practices you should review:
- Regularly patch and upgrade the ESXi software.
- Enforce strong passwords for accessing the ESXi server.
- Make use of anti-malware software for your ESXi system.
- Restrict physical access to the server.
In addition to these security best practices, you should make sure you have an up-to-date backup and data recovery plan. This will help protect against data loss in the event that something unexpected should happen. You should also be aware of any suspicious activity when it comes to your ESXi server. This includes any strange messages, email spam, or issues with performance. Acting quickly in such situations can help protect your data.
Essential Steps for Securing and Managing a vCenter Server
When it comes to managing a vCenter Server, it is crucial to ensure the security of the system, especially when dealing with sensitive information like password hashes. The shadow file, which contains the shadow password hash for user accounts, is a key component in maintaining security measures. It is essential to have root access to the server to make any necessary changes or updates, particularly when putting the server into Maintenance Mode.
This allows for the execution of a batch of commands to ensure the server is running smoothly. In case of password recovery procedures, it is important to follow the correct steps to reset the password securely using a reliable password manager. Additionally, keeping the host password and root password secure is essential to prevent any unauthorized access to the system.
It is also recommended to have a backup plan in place, such as using the USB pass-through feature, in case of system failures or security threats. As with any system configuration, it is important to follow exact steps and methods to avoid any complications and ensure the system runs smoothly without any issues. (Source: VMware Documentation)
Steps for Resetting ESXi 6.5 Root Password
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Collect Required Information |
2 | Connect the Installer Media |
3 | Press SHIFT+R Keys |
4 | Key in the Password Command |
5 | Enter New Root Password |
6 | Confirm the New Password |
7 | Select Reboot |
8 | Password Reset Complete |
Q&A
Q: What is Esxi 6.5?
A: ESXi 6.5 is a type of VMware virtualization software that allows users to create and manage virtual servers. It is used to manage physical and virtual servers within a data center environment.
Q: Why do I need to reset Esxi 6.5 root password?
A: Resetting the ESXi 6.5 root password may be necessary if you’ve forgotten the current password, or if you want to change it for security reasons.
Q: How do I reset my ESXi 6.5 root password?
A: Resetting your ESXi 6.5 root password is easy. First, you’ll need to boot up your server and select the ESXi 6.5 installation media. Then, you’ll need to press the ‘Shift + R’ keyboard shortcut on your keyboard. This will open the root password reset screen. Finally, type in your new password, confirm it, and hit enter.
Q: How can I reset the root password on a VMware ESXi host?
A: To reset the root password on a VMware ESXi host, you can boot into single-user mode and change the password from there. You will need to restart the host and press Shift+R during the boot process to enter the GRUB menu. From there, select the option to boot into single-user mode. Once you are at the command prompt, you can use the `passwd` command to change the root password.
Source: VMware Knowledge Base
Q: What is a host profile in VMware vSphere?
A: A host profile in VMware vSphere is a template that contains a set of configuration settings that can be applied to multiple ESXi hosts. This allows for consistent configuration across all hosts in a cluster, making it easier to manage and maintain the environment. Host profiles can be created and edited in the vSphere Client.
Source: VMware Documentation
Q: How can I recover a forgotten root password on a VMware ESXi host?
A: If you have forgotten the root password on a VMware ESXi host, you can reset it by booting from a flash drive with the ESXi installation disk image. Once booted, you can access the console and reset the root password using the `passwd` command.
Source: VMware Community Forums
Q: What is the default root password for an ESXi host?
A: The default root password for an ESXi host is not set by default. It is recommended to set a secure password during the initial setup of the host to ensure the security of your environment.
Source: VMware Knowledge Base
Q: How can I configure custom network settings on a VMware ESXi host?
A: To configure custom network settings on a VMware ESXi host, you can use the vSphere Client to access the host’s network settings. From there, you can specify the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers for the host. These settings can be customized to fit the requirements of your environment.
Source: VMware Documentation
Conclusion
The situation of forgetting your password is never a pleasant one. But luckily, you can reset ESXi 6.5 root password using LogMeOnce, an easy and secure password manager. LogMeOnce Password Manager can help easily update and reset password of your ESXi server. With a single click, you can activate the root ssh access, reset the root password, reboot the host, and have access to the server again. LogMeOnce is the perfect solution for esxi password reset needs: secure, easy to use, and free. Additionally, with you can be sure that no malicious user will have access to your ESXi server and your sensitive information will remain safe and secure. To reset ESXi 6.5 root password easily and securely, consider LogMeOnce, an essential service for all ESXi users.

Shiva, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, is a multifaceted professional whose expertise spans across writing, teaching, and technology. Her academic background in English literature has not only honed her skills in communication and creative writing but also instilled in her a profound appreciation for the power of words.