Enabling Local/Remote Tech Support Mode in ESXi 4.1

I have seen quite a few people wondering if there is a way to enable TSM from the vSphere Client. I would have to say, “YES THERE IS!” VMware posted a KB Article regarding this specifically as it was updated as of 4.1 to allow for the toggling of this from the vSphere Client. Here is what you can do to enable TSM:

1. Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
2. Click Security profile > Properties.
3. Click Local Tech Support or Remote Tech Support (SSH) and click Options.
4. Choose the desired startup policy and click Start, then click OK.
5. Verify that the daemon selected in step 3 shows as running in the Services Properties window.

Another thing that I have seen lately is people wondering why they enable TSM and it suddenly stops working.  This is because TSM has a default timeout that it uses in order to maintain a level of security regarding this method of connecting to a host.  To adjust this timeout you can do the following:

1. Select the host and click the Configuration tab.
2. Click Advanced Settings.
3. Change the UserVars.TSMTimeOut field to the desired value in minutes.
4. Click OK.

Once you have enabled Local or Remote TSM you can connect via the DCUI for Local TSM and through ssh for Remote TSM.  Use these methods wisely as there are many things that can be effected by usage of these methods.  If you are unsure of doing something then stop and either post up here in the comments or drop a line in the VMTN Community Forums.  Myself and many others check the VMTN forums constantly to offer help on various issues.  Yours could be one of them!!!