Access the local ESX host server console and login with your root username and password.
from the command prompt type cd /etc/ssh and press enter
Type vi sshd_config and press enter
scroll down to the line “PermitRootLogin no” press the insert key and change this to “PermitRootLogin yes” then press the escape key.
Type :wq and press enter
This should save the file and return you to the root prompt.
Type service sshd restart
This will now allow you to connect to this ESX host with putty.
First off from the esx console press ALT + F1 or logon to the host with Putty.
Login with root and your root password
cd /etc
vi hosts
Press the insert key
Add the addresses of your ESX hosts as per example:
10.0.0.1 ESX01.domain.local ESX01
10.0.0.2 ESX02.domain.local ESX02
Once you have finished adding the addresses press escape
type :wq and press enter
This should return you back to the root prompt and you can check that it worked by typing ping and the name of one of your other esx hosts that you have just added to the hosts file.
