Host restored to factory default settings via DCUI

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• Using the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI), a user restored the host's settings to the factory default settings unexpectedly or unintentionally.
• In the /var/run/log/syslog.log file of the ESXi host, the following entry is observed:
  In(14) DCUI[2100010]: User root logged in

 

• In the /var/run/log/vobd.log file of the ESXi host, the following entries are observed:

In(14) vobd[#######]:  [GenericCorrelator] ##########us: [vob.user.dcui.restore.factory.defaults] Restoring factory defaults
In(14) vobd[#######]:  [UserLevelCorrelator] ##########us: [vob.user.dcui.restore.factory.defaults] Restoring factory defaults
In(14) vobd[#######]:  [UserLevelCorrelator] ##########us: [esx.audit.dcui.defaults.factoryrestore] The host has been restored to default factory settings. Please consult ESXi Embedded and vCenter Server Setup Guide or follow the Ask VMware link for more information.

Environment

ESXi 7.x
ESXi 8.x

Cause

The option "Reset System Configuration" resets the ESXi host configuration to factory defaults. 

• This can be misunderstood or misinterpreted as the option to reboot an ESXi host. 
• It is important to note that this option will not reboot an ESXi host.

Resolution

To reset the ESXi host configuration, see Reset the System Configuration

To reboot or restart an ESXi host from the DCUI, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that all virtual machines are powered off or migrated to another host.
   • If hosts are part of vSAN or NSX , there are additional considerations to be aware of when rebooting.
2. Access the host console directly or connect to the out of band management interface (iLo, CRAC, etc).
3. Press F12. 
4. Enter the root user name and password when prompted.
5. Press F11 to restart the system.

Additional Information

• Accessing DCUI/Console of ESXi using ALT+F Keys
• Rebooting an ESXi or ESX host
• How to back up and restore the ESXi host configuration