Knowledge Base

Restarting ESX Server 2.x from the MUI

1. Ensure all virtual machines are powered off or VMotioned to another host.
2. Log in as root to the MUI of your ESX Server host.
3. Click the Options tab.
4. Click Restart.
5. Enter the reason for restarting the system.
6. Click OK.
   
   Note: The ESX Server host goes into a Not Responding state if you are using VMware VirtualCenter until it has completely rebooted. This is expected behavior.   

Restarting ESX Server 3.x or ESX Server 3i from the Virtual Infrastructure Client

1. Ensure all virtual machines are powered off or VMotioned to another host.
2. Right-click on the ESX Server host from the Inventory and click Enter Maintenance Mode.
3. When complete, right-click on the ESX Server host in the Inventory and click Reboot.
4. Enter a reason in the reboot server window.
5. Click OK.
6. Wait for the ESX Server host to restart.
   
   Note: The Virtual Infrastructure Client disconnects from ESX Server host if directly connected or it enters a Not Responding state in VirtualCenter until it has completely rebooted. This is expected behavior.
   
   
7. Right-click on the ESX Server host from the Inventory and click Exit Maintenance Mode.   

Restarting ESX Server 3.x or ESX Server 2.x from the Service Console

1. Ensure that all virtual machines are powered off or VMotioned to another host.
2. Log in to the ESX Server host as root from an SSH session or directly from the console of the server.
3. Type reboot.
4. Press Enter.   

Restarting ESX Server 3i from the Console of the Server

1. Ensure that all virtual machines are powered off or VMotioned to another host.
2. Connect to the Console of your ESX 3i Server.
3. Press F12.
4. Enter the root user name and password when prompted.
5. Press F11 to restart the system.