Hi guys, I'm Jess. I'm new to these forums, and VERY new to Linux & Ubuntu. You can literally say that I know nothing about it.

After my mother installed the new OS, Ubuntu 11.10, I wanted to try using the Software Center to get some video editing software. It prompts me for an administrator password, but the one my mom has is not working. Also, it use to be required to log into the computer, and now there is no password set.

After researching, I found that I was suppose to go into the command prompt to change it, but when I try to, I get this:

"passwd: Authentication token manipulation error”: passwd: password unchanged".

So while browsing the Internet, I came this Ubuntu-related forum that seemed to have solved this issue, but I don't quite understand what to do.

I read the solutions from here and here, but I don't understand the step-by-step process.

When I reboot my computer, as it is loading up, I hold the shift key, and select the latest Ubuntu OS in recover mode. Once there, I select root to get to the command. After I type in my old password to get access to make any changes, even when I try to change the password, I still get that error message. Can anyone explain a step-by-step on how to fix this issue and allow me to get change the password so I can finally start using new software?
> _ <

Thank you,
Jess

The solution might actually be really easy. Look at System Settings > User Accounts, and make sure that a password is set, and that Automatic Login is off. How many users show up?

Sorry I didn't reply for awhile. My Internet was out. Uhm, I already checked that, and that wasn't it.

try looking at this


http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/resetpassword


also http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-3609.html

Dear Frnds!.

Sorry to post here about new thread. I didn't find the link for one to do.

My problem is: Today I have done "update" for My Fedora 15. Nearly 450 updates are available. But when I pressed install updates, its showing transaction error. So I have tried using deselecting few updates, then finally I'm able to do 90 updates. Then it asked to logout and re login. When I was doing so it's not logging in, instead showing the desktop screen blank (does not showing options on the top) instead keep on asking username and password. Though I have entered correct username and Root Password, its still popping up for password. If I pree cancel, the loader keep on rotating and showing nothing even after 30 to 60 minutes. How to resolve the problem?

I tried rescue mode, but don't know commands to edit these password stuff.

Please guide me.

Thanking you

suresharide, sounds like you are having some bigger issues, I would go to the fedora forums and start a thread there. THe links I left in my previous post should help with password reset. DO you have data that needs to be backed up? If so grab an external hard drive and a live cd and get it off your computer before doing anything else. You may have o reinstall.

Do you get a grub screen?