Accessing a tty during installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server via VMware vsphere

This document (7015277) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for VMware Service Pack 3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 3 (SLES 11 SP3)
Vmware vsphere Windows client

Situation

For several purposes (e.g. troubleshooting installation, access to kernel messages or log files) it is necessary to access a tty during installation the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server via VMware vsphere client. The default keys to release keyboard and mouse from a VM is set to CTRL+ALT which is also needed to access a tty from the graphical installation environment. When attempting to access a tty using e.g. CTRL+ALT+F2 the VM releases the keyboard/mouse instead of switching to the desired tty.

Resolution

Boot the installation in textmode using
textmode=1
This will allow switching to a tty using ALT+Fx instead of CTRL+ALT+Fx.

Cause

The vsphere client does not allow reassignment of this hotkey function to a different key combination.

Additional Information

For additional information please consult the VMware knowledge base:
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1011705

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:7015277
  • Creation Date: 25-Jun-2014
  • Modified Date:28-Sep-2022
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

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