Forgot root password for Redhat Enterprise linux

geordzilla · 12-15-2005, 10:09 AM

Hi

I'm running redhat Linux Enterprise Version 3 on my notebook and have forgotten my root password. Therefore I'm unable to things requiring root permission. How can I retrieve it without having to do a reinstall?

regards

geordzilla

cuiq · 12-15-2005, 10:25 AM

If you can get your hands on a knoppix liveCD (or any liveCD), then resetting your root password will be a piece of cake.

Quote:

You can change password by chrooting into installed linux and running passwd. You may need to mount your linux read-write:

* mount -o remount,rw /dev/hd.. /mnt/hd..
* chroot /mnt/hd..
* passwd root

Peace V

Here's a link: http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/Rescue_F....2FLinux.21.3F

teebones · 12-15-2005, 10:38 AM

Or boot the os in single user mode (init 1)

then at the prompt use passwd to reset the password.

b0nd · 12-15-2005, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teebones

Or boot the os in single user mode (init 1)

then at the prompt use passwd to reset the password.

Hello there,
But how to boot the system in single user mode....???

suppose if the 'init' level is set such that it goes directly into GUI, then when we are suppose to switch the mode ?
moreover if it comes to console instead of GUI.....then also we have to give the login and passwd first...
If a user is logging with a user account other than "root" .....then will he get the permission to edit /etc/inittab ???

regards

teebones · 12-15-2005, 12:55 PM

hello,

- To boot into single-user mode from GRUB, do the following from
the GRUB menu screen:

1. Select the desired kernel.

2. Press the 'e' key to edit that entry.

3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the kernel line
(for example: kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.x-x ro root=/dev/hdx2)

4. Press the 'e' key to edit the line.

5. Add the argument 'single' to the end of the line and
press return.

6. Press the 'b' key to boot.

cheers,

cuiq · 12-15-2005, 04:33 PM

Thanks teebones

Peace V

geordzilla · 12-20-2005, 01:43 AM

Hello

I read teebones' suggestion on single-user mode from GRUB. I still don't get it. How do I get to the GRUB menu screen? Do I use the installation CD to get to GRUB? TAnx.

geordzilla