Enable the Tech Support Mode in ESXi 4.1

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1017910

Enabling and Accessing Tech Support Mode

1. At the DCUI of the ESXi host, press F2 and provide credentials when prompted.
2. Scroll to Troubleshooting Options, and press Enter.
3. If you want to enable local TSM, select Local Tech Support and press Enter once. This allows users to login on the virtual console of the ESXi host.

   If you want to enable remote TSM, select Remote Tech Support (SSH) and press Enter once. This allows users to login via SSH on the virtual console of the ESXi host.

4. Optionally, if you want to configure the timeout for TSM:
5. 1. Select Modify Tech Support timeout and press Enter.
   2. Enter the desired timeout value in minutes and press Enter.
6. Press Esc three times to return to the main DCUI screen.

1. Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
2. Click Security profile > Properties.
3. Click Local Tech Support or Remote Tech Support (SSH) and click Options.
4. Choose the desired startup policy and click Start, then click OK.
5. Verify that the daemon selected in step 3 shows as running in the Services Properties window.

1. Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
2. Click Advanced Settings.
3. Change the UserVars.TSMTimeOut field to the desired value in minutes.
4. Click OK.

1. At the main DCUI screen, press ALT+F1 simultaneously. This opens a virtual console window to the host.
2. Provide credentials when prompted.

   Note: When typing the password, characters are not displayed on the console.

1. Open an SSH client.
2. Specify the IP address or domain name of the ESX host.

   Notes:

3. • 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.
4. Provide credentials when prompted.