How to reset lost root password

If you have forgotten root password don't worry, there is an easy way to reset it and create a new one

1. disconnect computer form the network (you will work with root priviledges)
2. boot from your first install CD and press F1 at the first screen, then choose "Rescue System" from the menu and at the prompt type:
#root
You do NOT need a password
3. next at the prompt enter:
# cd /etc
# vi passwd
Next, press "i"
in the passwd file look for root line (something like):

root:x:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash

delete the "x" after "root:" leave the colons!

After the modification above line shoul look like this:

root::0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash

Save file and exit:

Press ESC then wq and enter

Next edit:
# vi shadow

Press ESC then "x" (x will delete letter under cursor)
change root line from something like:
root:$2a$05$sin5i458ghsdfg8076t5ymp4y;jgslkdbvffd bshmRK:12856:0:10000::::
to
root::::
note four colons left!

Save the file:
ESC next wq

If something went wrong with editing press ESC and next q!

it is q with exclamation mark: "q!"


reboot your computer, log in as your normal user, and from the console window enter:

$ su
# passwd

And set the new root password. Log out as root:

You just set a new root password.


If you have lost user password: lof in as a root and type
#passwd user_name

enter a new user password.

broch,

Thanks for putting all this info together! I am sure it will help a lot of users.

Do you mind if I move this to the HowTo thread? I will do this later today if I hear from you that it is ok.

no problem, thing is I dont have references. I could find something if this is necessary?

Broch

If its your own work, then quote that as references !

http://www.geektimelinux.com/index.php?q=node/view/134

a1phaomega, I think that
conram's link and this one below will do:
http://www.aplawrence.com/Linux/lostlinuxpassword.html

How about you post yours, and stick those two for references. In all fairness you've written an excellent document there... it would be a shame not to use it.

Originally posted by a1phaomega@Apr 9 2005, 03:13 AM
How about you post yours, and stick those two for references. In all fairness you've written an excellent document there... it would be a shame not to use it.

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Broch, Alpha,

Thats what I mean I forgot to quote Broch's topic coz I was busy with another pc
If you combine those two that would be great plus the additional link by Broch that will be the greatest

Thanks,
conram

a1phaomega,
Use it the way you think will be the best. You are one of the moderators here. My howto is under GPL

Well its late now, so perhaps Anomie or someone can do it - its 4am here and I should really go to bed ;-)

Thanks broch

a