old linux VM trick..

I was re-deploying a vDR2.0 machine today and could *not* get the console keyboard to stop stuttering. I looked up the old trick for delay, but it doesn't seem to be taking effect. The options->general->config params are not available for this appliance, not sure if the machine is ignoring other options on the vmx file.. I ended up using the Microsoft on-screen keyboard to get in and set the IP. Here's the text of the kb article for future personal reference. I haven't had to use this hack in years.

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/196

To reduce these effects, increase the time threshold necessary for auto-repeat in the remote console.

Power off the virtual machine. Add a line, similar to this, at the end of your virtual machine's configuration (.vmx) file:

keyboard.typematicMinDelay = "2000000"

The delay is specified in micro-seconds, so the line in the example above increases the repeat time to 2 seconds. This should ensure that you never get auto-repeat unless you intend it.

Power on the virtual machine. To make the changes using the vSphere Client: Power off the virtual machine Right click virtual machine select Edit Settings Click Options > General > Configuration Parameters Click Add Row Under Name enter keyboard.typematicMinDelay In the Value field 2000000 Click OK Power on the virtual machine