The following is a problem that I seen a number of times.  After changing the IP of the ESX service console (SC) via the Virtual Infrastructure Client interface the Service Console screen, even after a reboot, still displays the old IP address.

* Not my IP details and ESX server name.   

In the majority of instances the issue is with the ESX servers ‘hosts’ file still containing the old IP address (ie: pre service console IP change).

To remedy this log onto the Service Console either at the server or via SSH using a client such as Putty and navigate to the ‘etc’ directory.  In this directory there exists a file called ‘hosts’.  First of all we want to view this file to determine if it contains the old IP address for the ESX server.  To do this type the following in the Service Console:

cat hosts

This will display the contents of the ‘hosts’ file from which you’ll be able to determine if it contains the incorrect IP details.

If it does then you want to edit this file.  To do this start a text editor.  I use ‘nano’ as opposed to ‘vi’ as I find it easier to use and navigate.

Type the following to edit the file:

nano hosts

Once you have corrected the IP information so that it now contains the newly allocated Service Console IP address then save and exit the editor.  Type:

^O – to save the file to disk.

then, ^X – to exit ‘nano’.

The changes to the ‘hosts’ file are now made and updated on your ESX server.  After logging back out of the Service Console and pressing <Alt F11> to bring it back to the initial screen you should, or shortly after, see the updated IP details displayed.

Related posts:

1. VMware vCenter agent service does not install or upgrade on ESXi 4.0 hosts – “Cannot install the vCenter agent service. Unknown Installer error” Here’s one for all you VMware ESXi users out there...