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

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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.