Logging in as root + other problems!

Enfer Singe · 07-31-2004, 04:15 AM

Ok, I just got mandrake a few days ago and I needed to install the ATI linux drivers. It said you have to be logged into the root account. So I decided to try doing ctrl+alt+f1. Anyway, it asked me for my login and password. When I installed, I made absolutely sure to write down every username and password I put into linux. I don't believe I ever put in a root username, however, I do have a root password. Does anyone know what I can do about this? Is there a set login name for the root account? Anyway, I was trying to login with no success, so I logged in under my normal account. The only problem, is how do I get out of the ctrl+alt+f1 command prompt area and back to my desktop? I am just going to leave that computer on until I find out what to do, because I do not want to cut the power supply and screw something up. Thank you guys very much for all the help!

rgiggs · 07-31-2004, 04:18 AM

ctrl+alt+f2 or f3.... one of them (probably f6 or f7) should get you back to your desktop

jax8 · 07-31-2004, 04:21 AM

the username for the root accound is: root
the password is whatever you assigned at installation

Enfer Singe · 07-31-2004, 04:22 AM

ahhhhh, yes, f7 worked. I had tried f2 and f3, but became a little nervous that one of them would be something like "format your hd" or something, lol. ty for the help. Anyone know about logging in as root though?

Edit: Ok jax, got the root thing working. I know I tried putting root in as the login before though........do you have to do it on the first request for a name though? Thank you guys very much for the help!

Edit #2: Well, it is working every time now, even if I put in a bad login first and then do it correctly.......I guess I was just messing up the password or something.

Not now, John! · 07-31-2004, 04:25 AM

Try starting Linux in single user mode (init 1), by adding "1" to kernel options in boot loader configuration.
("kernel /mykernel ro root=/dev/hdxy 1")

Enfer Singe · 07-31-2004, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Not now, John!
Try starting Linux in single user mode (init 1), by adding "1" to kernel options in boot loader configuration.
("kernel /mykernel ro root=/dev/hdxy 1")

So I go into the shell, and put in "kernel /mykernel ro root=/dev/hdxy 1"?(like I said, I am a total n00b)......what exactly does this do for future reference?

scuzzman · 07-31-2004, 07:28 AM

in you boot loader config file, not at a command line
it: in lilo.conf or grub.conf
that aside, if you dont know what your doing, i really wouldnt reccomend single-user mode
you can really REALLY screw things up.
if you need to sysadmin type stuff, login as a normal user and at a prompt do this:

Code:

[scuzzy@localhost scuzzy]$ su
Password:
[root@localhost scuzzy]$

notice how i started out as a normal user, now I'm root
when I'm finished doing my sysadmin type tasks, i do this

Code:

[root@localhost etc]# exit
[scuzzy@localhost scuzzy]$

I dropped back down to normal unprivileged user. The reason behind this is because if i were to be say, uninstalling packages and accidentally "rm -rf *" in the wrong directory, my computer is hosed.

Enfer Singe · 07-31-2004, 03:29 PM

Ok, I am always in "single-user mode", I have just never heard it called that. I was just trying to log into linux as root in order to install the ati drivers.

btmiller · 07-31-2004, 03:39 PM

Right, and as mentioned upthread, the username of the root user is ... drumroll .. root.