Login to ESXI fails with /usr/lib/vmware/misc/bin/tally_vob.sh failed: exit code 1 | esxi root account locked

Error:

ssh to ESXI fails:

/usr/lib/vmware/misc/bin/tally_vob.sh failed: exit code 1

Cause:

We can login  using DUCI (Direct User Console Interface). The above error is due to root account locked due to multiple wroong password entered

Solution:

Step 1: Login on DUCI using F2, Select “Troubleshooting Options” and Press Enter

Step 2:Enable  “Disable ESXi Shell”  and "Disable SSH"

Step3:Click Alt+F1 or enable the virtual keyboard and use the key to get a console. 

           Login with the root password here and unlock with the below command.

pam_tally2 –user root –reset

Step4: Now try to log in using SSH & you will be logged in as root successfully.