Techniques for managing the configuration of managed nodes in a virtual machine network are disclosed. In an embodiment, managing the configuration of a managed node involves creating a clone of a virtual port on the managed node and using the cloned virtual port as an alternative communication channel between the managed node and a virtual machine management system to modify the virtual port. This technique can be used to restore connectivity to a managed node, such as a virtual switch, when connectivity is lost due to a misconfigured virtual port.