If a host cannot be managed via vCenter or from vSphere client, you can still use the CLI (on the host itself or via network using SSH or vSphere CLI/RCLI) to partially manage the VMs on the host.

For this to work you must have already enabled the local console, Tech Support Mode and/or SSH access:

Enabling root SSH login on an ESX host (8375637)

Tech Support Mode for Emergency Support (1003677) (ESXi 3.5 and 4.0 only)

Using Tech Support Mode in ESXi 4.1 and ESXi 5.0 (1017910)

Once logged in, you can use these commands to control the VMs. Note that there are differences between ESX and ESXi.

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