[Novalug] Root password problem

Charles M Howe cmhowe@patriot.net
Mon Dec 28 12:41:56 EST 2009


Peter,

All is well. There were several suggestions. I chose the one by Richard
Rognalie (sp?): sudo bash

Charlie

On Mon, 2009-12-28 at 11:37 -0500, Peter Larsen wrote:
> On Sat, 2009-12-26 at 14:07 -0500, Charles M Howe wrote: 
> > List,
> > 
> > I'm wondering if I should be in a state of panic. I did su just to make
> > sure that I know my root password. I don't. I have six possible root
> > passwords and not one of them is right. What will I be able to do?
> 
> No need to panic. There's quite a few options if you have physical
> access to the computer. The "old" method is to boot into single mode -
> it doesn't require external boot media at all. Simply add the word
> "single" to the boot command line (if you're doing grub, tab into the
> menu, hit "e" to edit the boot line). You system then boots directly
> into root (no password needed). You can then do the passwd and check
> logfiles etc. for compromises. 
> 
> In my experience it's usually the brain that plays tricks with you,
> not someone breaking in changing the root password.
> 
> Alternative methods: Use the recovery console from your installation
> media, or other linux boots (I've never tried live systems but I guess
> they would do) that allows you to chroot into your installation, and
> perform a passwd command.
> 
> Now if you don't have physical access to the machine, then it's time
> to order that plane ticket or pray the lights-out management is
> operational. 
> 
> -- 
> Best Regards
>   Peter Larsen
> 
> Wise words of the day:
> Turn right here. No! NO! The OTHER right!





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