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Old 06-09-2008, 05:06 PM   #1
CelticBlues
LQ Newbie
 
Registered: Jan 2005
Posts: 29

Rep: Reputation: 15
The user database cannot be read...


When I try to start system-config-users I get the following msg:

"The user database cannot be read. This problem is most likely caused by a mismatch between /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow or /etc/group and /etc/gshadow. The program will exit now."

I read that pwck would indicate the problem and allow for corrections to these files... I ran pwck, and delete some lines which were reported as problematic, but I still can't run system-config-users.

What should I do now?

CB
 
Old 06-09-2008, 05:47 PM   #2
Uxinn
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Registered: May 2008
Location: Iceland
Distribution: Ubuntu Hardy
Posts: 47

Rep: Reputation: 16
You need to compare /etc/passwd with /etc/shadow ( they should line up perfectly )
if that don't work you also need to check
/etc/goup vs /etc/gshadow

If there are not that many users defined on the box, then it will only take you a minute.


Uxinn
 
Old 08-16-2008, 02:57 AM   #3
aus9
LQ 5k Club
 
Registered: Oct 2003
Location: Western Australia
Distribution: Icewm
Posts: 5,842

Rep: Reputation: Disabled
I know this is an old post but you also have command
Code:
grpck
to fix group probs

2) hopefully the lines you deleted are not ones that you actually need?
can you remember what they were?

it should be safe to post your current passwd file....but do not post your shadow....if you are still having issues
 
  


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