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 and its agents have started. This is expected behavior.
   
   

Restarting ESX 2.x or ESX/ESXi Server 3.x and later from the Virtual Infrastructure or vSphere Client (Recommended)

1. Ensure all virtual machines are powered off or migrated 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 select 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 or vSphere Client disconnects from the ESX Server host if it is directly-connected. The server will enter a Not Responding state in VirtualCenter or vCenter until it has completely rebooted and its agents have started. This is expected behavior.
   
   
7. Right-click on the ESX Server host from the Inventory and click Exit Maintenance Mode.
   
   

Restarting ESX 2.x and later hosts from the Service Console

1. Ensure that all virtual machines are powered off or migrated to another host.
2. Log in to the ESX host's terminal via SSH, System Management Interface, or directly at its console.
   
3. Type reboot.
   
4. Press Enter.
   
   

Restarting ESXi 3.5 and later hosts from the DCUI

1. Ensure that all virtual machines are powered off or migrated to another host.
2. Access the host console directly, or connect via your System Management Interface.
   
3. Press F12.
4. Enter the root user name and password when prompted.
5. Press F11 to restart the system.