The DCUI

The Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) allows you to interact with the host locally using text-based menus. You can use the Direct Console User Interface to enable local and remote access to the ESXi Shell.

Access

• SSH via Putty into your host
• Type DCUI at the command line
• You should see the screen below
• Press F2
• Login using your account

The ESXi Shell includes a fully supported command list. To access the ESXi Shell from the DCUI, you must perform the following tasks: (Note that this may be enabled from the vSphere Client Configuration –> Security Profile tab)

1. From the physical console of your ESXi host, press the F2 button and authenticate
2. Select Troubleshooting Options and press Enter
3. Select Disable ESXi Shell and press Enter to Enable ESXi Shell
4. You may optionally adjust the timeout
5. Press Esc to return to the main window
6. At the main console screen, press Alt + F1 to open the ESXi Shell
7. From within the shell, you may run esxcli commands, esxtop, and access the local filesystem.
8. (Note: To return to the DCUI, press Alt + F2)

What can you do?

• Configure Root password
• Configure Lockdown mode
• Configure Management network
• Restart Management Network
• Test or disable Management
• Configure Keyboard
• View Support Information
• View System Logs
• Restart Management Network
• Reset System Configuration
• Remove Custom Extensions
• Shutdown or Restart /Reboot the ESXi Server