These topics provide information about using the direct console user interface and configuring defaults for ESXi. What to read next ESXi AutoconfigurationWhen you turn on the ESXi host for the first time or after resetting the configuration defaults, the host enters an autoconfiguration phase. This phase configures system network and storage devices with default settings. About the Direct Console ESXi InterfaceUse the direct console interface for initial ESXi configuration and troubleshooting. Enable ESXi Shell and SSH Access with the Direct Console User InterfaceUse the direct console user interface to enable the ESXi Shell. Managing ESXi Remotely You can use the VMware Host Client, the vSphere Web Client and vCenter Server to manage your ESXi hosts. Set the Password for the Administrator AccountYou can use the direct console to set the password for the administrator account (root). Configuring the BIOS Boot SettingsIf your server has multiple drives, you might need to configure the BIOS settings. Configuring Network SettingsESXi requires one IP address for the management network. To configure basic network settings, use the vSphere Web Client or the direct console. Storage BehaviorWhen you start ESXi, the host enters an autoconfiguration phase during which system storage devices are configured with defaults. Configuring System LoggingThe ESXi hosts run the syslog service (vmsyslogd), which writes messages from the VMkernel and other system components to log files. Set the Host Image Profile Acceptance LevelThe Host Image Profile acceptance level determines which vSphere installation bundles (VIBs) are accepted for installation. Remove All Custom Packages on ESXiAfter adding custom packages, you might decide to remove them. Disable Support for Non-ASCII Characters in Virtual Machine File and Directory NamesBy default, ESXi supports the use of non-ASCII characters for virtual machine file and directory names. You can disable this support by modifying the /etc/vmware/hostd/config.xml file. Reset the System ConfigurationIf you are having trouble determining the source of a problem with your ESXi host, you can reset the system configuration. Parent topic: Installing and Setting Up ESXi