Using the Local ESXi Shell

Using the Local ESXi Shell

After you enable the ESXi Shell in the direct console, you can use it from main direct console screen or remotely through a serial port.

1. At the main direct console screen, press Alt-F1 to open a virtual console window to the host.

2. Get a list of running virtual machines, identified by World ID, UUID, Display Name, and path to the .vmx configuration file, using this command:

# esxcli vm process list

3. Power off one of the virtual machines from the list using this command:

# esxcli vm process kill --type=[soft,hard,force] --world-id=WorldNumber

Alternate power off command syntax is:

# esxcli vm process kill -t [soft,hard,force] -w WorldNumber

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1014165

4. shutdown and restart commands:

# reboot -f
# halt
# shutdown