1 Rookie
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8 Posts
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23
August 27th, 2025 20:08
Reset ESX root account
Hi Team,
We have an ESX hosted on a PowerEdge server. The root password for the ESX that we have is not working and we want to reset it from the iDRAC. I searched and found that we need to access the virtual console from iDRAC for us to do it but the license is expired and I'm wondering if there is another way like through command line (racadm). Does anyone knows the steps or requirements for what is describe above?
Thank you,
John
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DELL-Rey G
3 Apprentice
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1K Posts
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August 28th, 2025 21:36
Actually, Jpao is correct, if he can access the idrac virtual console, he can interrupt the boot process of the ESXi host, which drops you to a prompt, then you can remount the file system with /sbin/mount -o remount,rw /, then do passwd root. I too have done this on ocassion. what he needs is the license for the idrac to enable the virtual console. Locked out of Your ESXi Host? How to Reset the Root Password - Shapehost
he cant do it from racadm though.
Rey
#Iwork4dell
(edited)
DELL-Joey C
Moderator
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3.9K Posts
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August 28th, 2025 03:06
Hi,
Just to clarify, you are looking to reset the ESXi's root password by using iDRAC? You mentioned that you search and found some information about it, can you share the information? I can't recall if there is a way to reset the host OS password through iDRAC.
Origin3k
4 Operator
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2.3K Posts
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August 28th, 2025 09:42
Hi John,
you are mis-informed. Yes, the iDRAC can make it easier because you dont need pyhs. access to the server but the iDRAC it self will not reset any kind of OS account.
Regards,
Joerg
jpao12
1 Rookie
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8 Posts
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August 28th, 2025 13:57
Thanks Joey, Joerg,
I think I was misinformed then. The ESX is a standalone hosted on a poweredge dell server and not attached to a vCenter. The thing is that the dell server is located in a remote site and originally I was thinking to renew the license then send a Dell support on the site. But now basing from the feedback, we may have to send a new ESX on the remote site with the same functionally since root account is no longer accessible. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
DELL-Chris H
Moderator
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9.5K Posts
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August 28th, 2025 16:03
The issue you are running into is that the process you would do through the iDrac would require knowing the current password to change, as outlined here, as well as the licensing issue Joerg pointed out and the process to reset the password outlined here is using vCenter. So I think reinstallation of ESXi to proceed is sound advice.
jpao12
1 Rookie
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8 Posts
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August 29th, 2025 13:12
We got the issue resolved. Thank you guys!!!