Problem logging in Ubuntu
 

I just installed Ubuntu (hoary hedgehog) with the minimum options so that it only runs command line. the probel is that when i have to log in as root , it doesnt let me log in.

here is what i do

$ sudo su -
Password: ( i leave this blank as i have no password for root)

Login Incorrect


no option came during install to set root password. how do i log i as root?

Ubuntu disables root access by default. You should use the sudo command. If you would like to enable root access you will need to edit /etc/shadow. On the first line (root) there should be an asterix between two colons, if you remove the asterix you will be able to log in as root with no password. Of course you will have to use sudo to edit the file. If you enable root, you should create a password for the account ASAP.

sudo nano /etc/shadow

~Thomas

Edit: When sudo asks for a password you need to specify yours not root's.

About sudo:
you type in your password - not root's!
('sudo' is intended for users who shouldn't have access to the root-account but need some root-privileges.)
twsnnva's solution is a good way, you could also use
# sudo passwd root
then type in your password.