How to retrieve Admin password?

gogo · 03-26-2003, 03:58 AM

Hi,

I have a server which installed redhat 8.0. The administrator of our company was leaving, and I just have a FTP a/c.

Do I need to re-install the OS completely to prevent other to access our company's data?

And, how can I backup the existing client info without the admin login info.

Thanks

irish_rover · 03-26-2003, 05:37 AM

You can change the root password without losing or changing any other data.

You have to reboot the machine into single user mode. I would say you should search for a how-to. As having clear, concise instructions that you can print-out would be pretty handy to have in this situation.

jayakrishnan · 03-26-2003, 05:38 AM

which company do you work for?

jayakrishnan · 03-26-2003, 05:41 AM

there is a very easy way out of this. but i am afraid to tell you that.

frieza · 03-26-2003, 09:49 AM

single user mode for sure, although rescue disks might work too, however printing instructions on how to get to single user mode would be to much of a security risk

MasterC · 03-26-2003, 10:59 AM

Best way would be to contact the former admin and ask what the pass was

Cool

gogo · 03-26-2003, 07:27 PM

Thanks for all of your kind help and I will try to search how to login as single user mode.

Regards

Texicle · 03-26-2003, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gogo
Thanks for all of your kind help and I will try to search how to login as single user mode.

Regards

I am now wondering why you would need the admin password to a Linux server if you don't know how to login to single user mode--unless you're the owner of the company. Seriously, if you're planning to either:

Quote:

Originally posted by gogo
re-install the OS completely to prevent other to access our company's data?

or

Quote:

Originally posted by gogo
backup the existing client info without the admin login info.

The you should be able to boot to single user mode. I just find this a bit fishy. If you're going to be doing this, then you would be assuming the role of the administrator for this RedHat server. If you're going to be the new administrator, then you should really brush up on your skills. If you are not going to be the new administrator, then you really have need for neither the password nor the priviledge of doing these procedures--unless you're the owner of the company.

I'm not trying to be an ass or anything, or trying to belittle your skills (I'm still a newbie myself), it's just that something about this picture doesn't sit right with me. I'm wondering if your intentions are honorable is all.

gogo · 03-27-2003, 12:46 PM

I am the owner of the company. However, I am not the technical person. I am responsible for the management. I let the ex-administrator to setup everything and he did not provide the login info except one user a/c for ftp and email.

Texicle · 03-27-2003, 02:53 PM

Good to know that you're not trying to do anything to hurt the company.

I think your best bet would be to ask the ex-admin what the password is. You could also boot to single user mode and go that way as well. If the ex-admin doesn't give you the information you could probably go with a legal route as it could be hazardous to your network security and company as a whole. Or at least you could try to use that excuse with someone in the legal field.

I'm sorry if I've offended you in any way, it's just that I (and I assume most everyone else here) would hate to contribute information leading to an illegal or "immoral" act. I hope you understand.