So, your ESXi host root account is locked out?

You normally would log in to your DCUI (Direct Console User Interface)

Press ALT+F1 and get an ESXi Shell, but instead, you are getting a blank screen. This is because HyperFlex redirects ESXi Shell to Serial Over LAN.

To get around this, you need to SSH into the CIMC for that host (Cisco Integrated Management Controller)

Type in connect host

Now, type pam_tally2 --user=root --reset

Optionally if you wish to check attempted logins pam_tally2 --user root

That's it, you can now log back into your ESXi host.

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Enabling SSH and ESXi Shell

And