Resetting the NSX Manager Root Password When Both GRUB and Root Passwords Are Lost

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

This article describes the scenario in which both the NSX Manager root password and the GRUB password have been forgotten. Resetting the NSX Manager root password requires access to the GRUB menu. As outlined in KB 417635, resetting the GRUB password itself requires the root password.

Environment

VMware NSX

Resolution

Follow any one of the Options.

(Option#A)

1. Detach one NSX Manager node from the cluster.

2. Deploy a new NSX Manager node. During deployment, you will be prompted to configure the admin, root, and audit account passwords.

3. After deployment, the new NSX Manager node’s credentials should synchronise with the other NSX Manager nodes in the cluster.

4. Verify that root access is functioning after the deployment. If root login is still not working, follow the procedure in Resetting the Passwords of an Appliance to reset the NSX Manager root password, and use the default GRUB password referenced in KB 417635.

5. After rebooting, wait 5–10 minutes for the root password to synchronise across the NSX Manager cluster.

6. Note that the GRUB password does not synchronise across NSX Manager nodes. Once the root password has been successfully synchronised, you can follow KB 417635 to reset the GRUB password on each NSX Manager node as needed.

(Option#B)

1. Download the Ubuntu ISO from the Internet. Here is a sample link (https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop/thank-you?version=22.04.1&architecture=amd64) 
2. Upload the downloaded ubuntu ISO file to any data store. The NSX-Manager/Edge appliance should be able to access the iso from vCenter.
3. Attach the ubuntu ISO to the NSX-Manager appliance as a CD-drive
4. Force BIOS for the appliance during the next boot.
5. Reboot the Appliance, and open the console to the VM
6. From the BIOS Boot from the CD
7. Open the ubuntu terminal and execute the following command
    

   sudo mkdir /mnt/recover

   sudo mount /dev/sda2 /mnt/recover

   sudo chroot /mnt/recover

   passwd root ====> Type the new passwd

   passwd admin ====> Type the new passwd

   touch /var/vmware/nsx/reset_cluster_credentials

   sync

   exit

   sudo umount /mnt/recover

   exit

    
8. Power off the Ubuntu appliance from the Ubuntu menu
9. Disconnect the CD drive from vCenter.
10. Power on the NSX Manager/Edge Appliance.
11. The user should be able to use the newly configured password

For any assistance, Contact Broadcom Support

Additional Information

GRUB と Root の両方のパスワードを紛失した場合における NSX Manager Root パスワードのリセット