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By default, SSH communications are disabled on ESXi. It can be easily enabled by accessing the service console - which is hidden on the free edition.

1. From the server’s console - Grey and Yellow screen, hit ALT + F1 to access the console.

2. Type: unsupported

You will not be able to see the input of this command. If you input the command correctly, you will see the Tech Support Mode warning and the password prompt.

3. Enter the root password

You won’t be able to see the input of this command either. If the password is entered correctly you will be dropped to the command line prompt: ~ #

4. The inetd.conf file has to be modified to enable SSH. To edit the file type:

vi /etc/inetd.conf

Use the down arrow key to scroll through the file. Look for the line that starts with “#ssh”.

5. Remove the “#” by pressing the “x” key when the cursor is on the character - #.

6. Hit ESC and type in :wq! to save the file and exit vi.

 If a mistake is made, press ESC and type in :q! to quit vi without saving the file.

7. Now that SSH has been enabled, the management services have to be restarted. To do this type :

/sbin/services.sh restart

8. Hit ALT + F2 to return to the home screen - Grey and Yellow Display screen.