Connecting to the embedded vPostgres Database in a Windows installed vCenter Server 6.x

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

This article provides steps on connecting to the embedded vPostgres database in a Windows deployment of vCenter Server 6.x

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 6.x

Resolution

To connect to the embedded vPostgres database, use the psql command in the Windows command Prompt:

1. To obtain the credentials to connect to the vCenters vPostgres database, open the C:\ProgramData\VMware\vCenterServer\cfg\vmware-vpx\vcdb.properties file in a plain text editor.

Note: To view this file, administrator level permissions are required.

2. Note the database name after the port in the URL string.

Example: 
url = jdbc:postgresql:/localhost:5432/VCDB

Note: VCDB is the database name in this example.

3. Note the username in the string username = username.

Example:
username = vc

Note: vc is the username in this example.

4. Note the password in the string password = password.

Example:
password = <password>

Note: <password> is the password in this example.

5. Click Start > Run type in cmd and press Enter.
6. Change to the C:\Program Files\VMware\vCenter Server\vPostgres\bin\ directory.

Note: The drive letter may vary based on installation options.

7. Connect to the postgres database by running the psql command:

psql -U username database_name

Note: Replace username with the username noted in steps 3, and database_name with the database name noted in step 2.

Example: 
psql -U vc VCDB

8. Enter the password found in step 4 when prompted.
9. To verify connectivity to the database run the following command:

\c database_name

Note: Replace database_name with the database name found in step 2.

Example:
\c VCDB
You are now connected to database "VCDB" as user "vc"

10. To exit the database, type:
    
    \q and press Enter.