Resolving Password Expiration Issues in VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator and Gateways

As a network administrator, managing password expiration for your VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator and Gateways is crucial to ensure secure access to the devices. However, if you’re facing issues with password expiration, specifically after 90 days without any password change, this article will guide you through two methods to reset the password and regain access to your devices.

Method 1: Reset Password using vcadmin Utility

The first method to reset the password is by using the vcadmin utility. This method is much simpler and should always be tried before moving on to the second method. To reset the password using vcadmin, follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal window and connect to the Orchestrator or Gateway via SSH.

2. Type “sudo vcadmin -l” to list all the available options.

3. Choose option 4, “Reset Password,” and press Enter.

4. Enter your current password, and then enter the new password you want to use. Confirm the new password by entering it again.

5. Wait for the password reset to complete. This process may take a few minutes.

Method 2: Reset Password using the Command Line Interface (CLI)

If the first method doesn’t work, you can try resetting the password using the Command Line Interface (CLI). This method requires more steps and is more complex than the first method. To reset the password using CLI, follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal window and connect to the Orchestrator or Gateway via SSH.

2. Type “sudo -i” to gain root access.

3. Type “vmware-vco-cli -l” to list all the available commands.

4. Choose option 7, “Reset Password,” and press Enter.

5. Enter your current password, and then enter the new password you want to use. Confirm the new password by entering it again.

6. Wait for the password reset to complete. This process may take a few minutes.

WARNING: Be careful when attempting these procedures, as they can potentially cause data loss or other issues if not done correctly. It is recommended to have a snapshot or backup done before attempting any changes. The author takes no responsibility for the correctness of the following commands and sequences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, password expiration is an essential aspect of securing your VMware SD-WAN Orchestrator and Gateways. However, if you encounter issues with password expiration after 90 days without any password change, these two methods can help you reset the password and regain access to your devices. Always try the first method first, as it is simpler and more straightforward. Remember to be careful when attempting any changes, and have a snapshot or backup done beforehand to avoid any potential data loss or other issues.