Error when starting SSH to vCenter "Remote side unexpectedly closed network connection"

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

After restoring a vCenter vm from backup, SSH session ends abruptly after entering password.

Environment

vCenter 8.x, 9.x

Cause

This issue can appear due to expired or account lockout issues on root account. 

Resolution

Reset the root password. Please use the steps in the KB article Resetting the root password in vCenter Server Appliance