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Changing root password on ESX host
Purpose
For security reasons, it may be necessary to change the password for the user "root " on an ESX host after installation. This article provides steps to change the root password.
Resolution
To change the ESX host root password:
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Log in to the ESX host service console, either via SSH, or via the physical console.
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If you did not log in as root, you must acquire root privileges. Run the su - command.
Enter the current root password when prompted.
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Change the root password. Run the passwd root command.
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Type the new root password, and press Enter. Type the new root password again and press Enter to verify. You are warned about, but not prevented from using bad passwords.
If you make a mistake when typing or re-typing the new root password, you must start over. For example:
# passwd root
Changing password for user root.
New UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
Sorry, passwords do not match
New UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
passwd: all authentication tokens updated successfully.
#
Note: If you have forgotten or don't know the password for the root user on an ESX host, you cannot recover the original password. You can, however, change the root password. For more information, see How do I change a forgotten root password on my ESX Server Host? (1317898) .
Additional Information
See http://www.vmware.com/resources/techresources/726 for more information on security best practices.
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- KB Article: 1004659
- Updated: Aug 14, 2009
- Products:
VMware ESX - Product Versions:
VMware ESX 2.5.x
VMware ESX 3.0.x
VMware ESX 3.5.x