Recover root VM password

[ASTERHC]

We had a nasty separation from the MSP that resold us 3CX and not everything was handed over to us in the off-boarding including not receiving the root 3CX VM password. We have full access to the console and portal and are able to perform all actions including system upgrades etc.

Is there any method to recover, reset, change etc the root VM password?

 

[paulodagraca]

Hello @ASTERHC ,

I am sorry to hear this, but no from the 3CX server application, there is no way to access root privileges in order to gain access.
Please consider a full 3CX backup and move to another VM.
Do you still have access to the 3CX account (3CX website login, not you server)?

Paulo

 

[ASTERHC]

Do you still have access to the 3CX account (3CX website login, not you server)?

If you are refering to portal.3cx.com then yes, we have full access, changed password and have purchased a licensed through a different reseller.

Please consider a full 3CX backup and move to another VM.

I assume I perform a full backup via the 3CX console, download the backup, download the 3CX ISO, follow the instructions to install a new VM per the guide here and at part 5 I choose the "Restore a backup" option rather than uploading a configuration file?

 

[paulodagraca]

Hello,

So you have full access on 3CX account, 3CX server, and thus have the option to move VM, in the way you have clearly mentioned.
Seems you are all set.

Do you have another VM machine, or any other doubt?

Paulo

 

[ASTERHC]

Do you have another VM machine, or any other doubt?

No other VM but I can easily enough order a "blank" VM from our VM hosting provider.

My only concern will be around public IP address change from the current VM to the new VM and console restrictions potentially locking me out though that shouldn't be an issue as I want to restore from backup and the business's office public IP address won't change and that is already allowed.

Before trying to restore from backup do I need to deactivate my existing installation or some other task that needs to be done prior? Don't want to run into any "you license is already in use" or similar issues or gotchas.

 

[KyriacosS_3CX]

Don't delete your old vm, just power it down while moving, and you have a quick recovery if something doesn't work out.

Also, have you checked with your VM provider if they have a root password reset service/key login option that you could use to gain full access to the current one? Some do.

 

[paulodagraca]

No other VM but I can easily enough order a "blank" VM from our VM hosting provider.

My only concern will be around public IP address change from the current VM to the new VM and console restrictions potentially locking me out though that shouldn't be an issue as I want to restore from backup and the business's office public IP address won't change and that is already allowed.

Before trying to restore from backup do I need to deactivate my existing installation or some other task that needs to be done prior? Don't want to run into any "you license is already in use" or similar issues or gotchas.

You should not worry about the license.
Just make sure you stop the old VM before you start the new one, in this case the new IP will be bound to the FQDN, and all should be fine.
We do this many times, and has always worked.
Is there a good way for you to stop/start the old VM ?

Paulo

 

[ASTERHC]

Also, have you checked with your VM provider if they have a root password reset service/key login option that you could use to gain full access to the current one? Some do.

I have aske our VM hosting provider (they have a button for it in the VM console) but I believe that we are classed as a bring your own distribution and when I asked they said the password reset would not work. I will still be giving it a try during the next maintenance window (when update 7 is released) to see if I get lucky.

Just make sure you stop the old VM before you start the new one, in this case the new IP will be bound to the FQDN, and all should be fine.
We do this many times, and has always worked.
Is there a good way for you to stop/start the old VM ?

Cheers, I have full access to our VM hosting provider so can stop, start and restart the VM as needed.

 

[Alphabetic]

Are you not able to boot in to rescue mode?

 

[fxbastler]

https://www.tecmint.com/reset-forgotten-root-password-in-debian/

 

[SteveITS]

purchased a licensed through a different reseller

Wanted to call this out...it's not possible to change license keys anymore. The backup would restore the FQDN and existing license key.

 

[ASTERHC]

Wanted to call this out...it's not possible to change license keys anymore. The backup would restore the FQDN and existing license key.

We have been using the new license since February 2025. I would have assumed that the backups (which run daily) would restore the current in use license.

 

[ASTERHC]

https://www.tecmint.com/reset-forgotten-root-password-in-debian/

Thanks, I will take a look at that. I might try and take a backup of our 3CX and load it into a local VM with no network and test if this method work prior to trying it on the current system.