Password recovery (not the root password)

RegulusDeneb · 05-19-2013, 11:34 AM

Hello

I installed SL 6.4 in Virtual Box and have misplaced the password to login to the operating system. Is there a way to reset it? Thanks!

TobiSGD · 05-19-2013, 11:41 AM

Well, if you have the root password just login as root and set a new password for your user. Use Ctrl+Alt+F1 to switch to a virtual terminal and login as root, then use

Code:

passwd username

to set a new passwd.
You can get back to graphical login with Alt+F7.

RegulusDeneb · 05-19-2013, 11:51 AM

I always keep passwords in a file, but it appears I didn't record either password this time.

So I don't have the root one either.

TobiSGD · 05-19-2013, 12:27 PM

Have a look here: http://www.dagorret.net/reset-root-password-in-linux/
This is for Fedora, but should also work on SL.

RegulusDeneb · 05-19-2013, 01:23 PM

Yes, thank you, but I've googled and there are several webpages with help on recovering the root password. When I get to the grub prompt on the GNU GRUB version 0.97 screen, and enter

Code:

single

it doesn't recognize it. Can't find any pages on recovering the login password, though.

divyashree · 05-19-2013, 01:35 PM

try the steps as here:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...3/#post4128021

RegulusDeneb · 05-20-2013, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divyashree

try the steps as here:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...3/#post4128021

Thanks for the response. However, still having problems.

Here are the steps I've tried and their result.
1) Click Start in VM.
2) Hit any key.
3) Press 'e'.
4) Arrow down to the "kernel" line. Press e.
5) That brings me to "<M_LV=VolGroup/lv_root KEYBOARDTYPE=pc KEYTABLE=us rd_NO_DM rhgb quiet"
6) I enter "Single"
7) It boots to the login screen.
(Actually, the last few time I've tried this step, it just goes back to the previous screen with the "kernel" line.

Alternate steps:
3) Press 'a'.
4) That brings me to this line: "<EYTABLE=us rd_NO_DM rhgb quiet"
5) Enter "Single"
6) Boots to the login screen.

"l" and "s" produce the same results.

TobiSGD · 05-20-2013, 07:40 PM

Try it with init=/bin/bash instead of single, this should give you a basic shell, then you can use

Code:

passwd root

to set a new password for root.
Alternatively, use a live-CD to boot the system, mount the /-partition, chroot into it, then use passwd to change the password.

RegulusDeneb · 05-20-2013, 08:40 PM

That produces the same results as "Single". When I enter "e" to edit commands before booting, then

Code:

init=/bin/bash

, it brings me back to the "kernel" line.
When I enter "a", then

Code:

init=/bin/bash

, it boots to the login screen.
When I enter

Code:

int=/bin/bash

at the grub prompt, it doesn't recognize it.

I'd rather reinstall than boot from a live cd.