Article: 4130300

Issue

After upgrading from ESX3.5 to ESX4, the ssh component of the VM export fails. 

Cause

The upgrade leaves the existing ssh configuration files intact with the ssh port at its original level of access. ESX4 needs to use the correct configuration files.

Solution

Follow the steps below to correct the configuration:

1. Use the Putty terminal emulator to log in to the ESX host.
2. Type the command: cd /etc/ssh
3. Then type the command: ls -l

4. Three files ending with .esx4 will appear:

   • moduli.esx4
   • ssh_config.esx4
   • sshd_config.esx4

   Rename these files to remove the .esx4 suffix:

   • mv moduli.esx4  moduli
   • mv ssh_config.esx4  ssh_config
   • mv sshd_config.esx4 sshd_config
5. Edit the sshd_config file to allow root login access by changing PermitRootLogin no
   to PermitRootLogin yes.
6. Restart ssh from the command line: service sshd restart