To set a Welcome Message (MOTD) on the ESXi host:
Note: The default functionality continues to remain while the Welcome Message is being displayed. For example, F2 can still be used to access Customize System/View Logs and F12 can be used to access Shut Down/Restart.
- Using the vSphere Client, select the ESXi host in the Inventory.
- Click the Configuration tab.
- Click Advanced Settings under Software.
- Click Annotations.
- Enter the desired text in the Annotations.Welcome Message field.
Note: This updates the /etc/vmware/welcome file on the ESXi host.
- Click OK.
For example if you have entered Test Environment - vSphere 5.x in the Annotations.WelcomeMessage field, you see an ESXi console screen similar to:
Alternatively, to set a Welcome Message using esxcli:
- Log in to the ESXi host using Putty.
- Run this command to set a welcome message:
# esxcli system welcomemsg set -m="message"
- To view the current custom message, run this command:
# esxcli system welcomemsg get
Also see:
Resolution if IORM Message seen on the DCUI during a fresh ESXi 7.0 installation