Esxi password unlock

Procedure to unlock the ESXi host account at the console

• At the console press CTRL+ALT+F2 to get to the ESXi shell. If a login shows up continue with step 3, otherwise continue with step 2.
• Login to the DCUI (to enable the ESXi Shell if not already done)
• Login with root and the correct password.
• Go to Troubleshooting Options
• Select Enable ESXi Shell
• Press CTRL+ALT+F1
• At the ESXi shell login with root and the password
• Run the following commands to show number of failed attempts:

Show failed attemtps

• pam_tally2 --user root

Run the following command to unlock the root account

• pam_tally2 --user root --reset

Source

• https://www.comdivision.com/blog/unlock-esxi-root-account-from-host-client