How to Reset VMware vCenter 6.7 Root Password – Step-by-Step Guide

In daily VMware vCenter operations, the root user is our critical access point for entering the VAMI console and troubleshooting system issues. But if you find that you've forgotten the password, can't SSH in, and can't access the 5480 management page either, don't panic! This guide will walk you through safely resetting the root password for vCenter Server Appliance 6.7 using GRUB single-user mode.

Whether you're a seasoned operations veteran or a newcomer to virtualization, just follow these steps to unlock your vCenter. We recommend bookmarking this guide for future reference!

Why Resetting the vCenter 6.7 Root Password is Needed

The root account in vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) 6.7 is critical for system administration. If the password is forgotten or expired, administrators may lose access to essential services, patching, or troubleshooting tasks. VMware provides secure ways to reset it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Reboot the vCenter Server Appliance

During the boot process, when you see the VMware vCenter Server Appliance progress bar, press the 'e' key on your keyboard to enter GNU GRUB edit mode.

2. Modify Boot Parameters

Locate the line starting with 'linux' and append the following content to the end of the line: then press F10 to reboot.

 
rw init=/bin/bash

3. Enter Command Line and Mount File System

The system will boot into bash shell mode. Run the following commands:

 
mount-o remount,rw /

4. Reset Root Password

: Enter the following command and set a new password:

 
passwd root

5. Unmount File System and Reboot

: Run the following commands to complete the operation:

 
umount /
reboot -f

Pro Tip

Force the system to stop prompting for password expiration.

 
chage -I -1 -m 0 -M 99999 -E -1 root

Verification and Next Steps

After rebooting, press F2 to attempt logging in with the new password.

If you need to enable SSH, enter "Troubleshooting Mode Options" and turn on the SSH service.

Use an SSH tool to connect to the system and verify that the root user can log in normally.

By following these steps, you can successfully reset vCenter's root password and restore access.

Best Practices After Resetting

• Immediately update password policies to prevent future lockouts.

• Store root credentials securely in a password manager.

• Regularly rotate admin passwords.

• Use vSphere Single Sign-On (SSO) for role-based access instead of relying only on root.