How to reset VMware ESXi trial license period

To reset the VMware ESXi trial license period without re-installing your host, do the following (tested with these version: VMware ESXi 4.1, VMware ESXi 5.0, VMware ESXi 5.1):

[caption id="attachment_954" align="aligncenter" width="463"] How to reset VMware ESXi trial license period[/caption]

Guide how to reset VMware ESXi trial license period

There are 2 options, you can choose the best one for you: use FTP client (visualization) and use Command line via SSH client (such as Putty)

How to reset VMware ESXi trial license period using FTP client

First at all, you have to install VMWare ESXi to your server normally, then:
1. Access your server via SSH using FTP client
2. Browse to folder: /etc/vmware
3. Download/Backup 2 file vmware.lic and license.cfg to your local computer

 

How to reset VMware ESXi trial license period using Command Line

• At the console; login
• Enable Local Tech Support Mode
• Press Alt-F1 to get to the login prompt
• Login as root
• cd /etc/vmware
• rm-r vmware.lic
• rm-r license.cfg
• reboot
• services.sh -restart (thanks esxi)
• If you have this ESXi host in a cluster, remove it and then add it again using a Evaluation Mode

OK, Now you can enjoy another 60 days of full featured evaluation!
You can check the result by login VMWare Sphere Client.

Video guide how to reset VMware ESXi trial license period

Cheer !