ESXi Failed Login Attempts Reset Procedure
Steps to Clear Root Failed Attempts
1. Log in to iLO web interface and launch integrated remote console.
2. Login to ESXi console (F2) with root account (it won't be locked at this level)
3. Navigate to Troubleshooting Options
4. In first line you should see either Disable or Enable ESXi Shell. If its Enable, hit enter once.
5. Then use combination Alt+F1 to switch to ESXi shell
6. Login with root account (it won't be locked at this level)
7. Run following command. This will show number of failed login attempts:
pam_tally2 --user root
8. To reset the failures, run following command:
pam_tally2 --user root --reset
9. Check status of ESXi login through webclient.