activate sshd in Esxi 4.x host system

Although not officially supported by VMware, it is sometimes necessary to have ssh access to your Esxi host system.
At the physical console of the Esxi 4.x host system,
type

Alt+F1

to switch the console

(blind)-type:

unsupported


you will be prompted for the root password

edit /etc/inetd.conf using vi (caution: us keyboard layout):

vi /etc/inetd.conf

uncomment the line

#ssh stream tcp .....

save and quit vi (using ESC :wq)

either reboot your host system or restart inetd as follows:

find the pid of inetd:

ps aux| grep inetd


kill -HUP <your inetd pid>


--  sshd is now active on port 22
log out (by typing exit) and switch to the default console by typing ALT+F2
ready!