Unknown login username and password

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 07:39 PM

Hi, I am new to Linux, I have recently bought a mini laptop for my daughter and it has linux installed. After initial looking through the linux software, (which I love) she has somehow managed to put in a user name and password, but has no idea what it is.

How do I login without this information.

Tinkster · 04-20-2010, 07:52 PM

Hi Gaby, welcome to LQ!

The short answer: only with some difficulty.

Can you tell us which distribution of Linux the laptop has installed?
That would greatly help giving you more targeted responses.

Cheers,
Tink

Web31337 · 04-20-2010, 08:00 PM

Where do you get a prompt for username/password? When you switch on a computer(after operating system boot) or when you are trying to run some program/perform software installation/perform other administrative tasks(when you already logged into a system and able to work with something)?

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 08:02 PM

Not sure as it came preinstalled on computer, and there is no paperwork attached. Only arrived yesterday. Would it be easier to uninstall the program and reinstall. I have some linux discs, (older version, but could then update once installed.

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 08:04 PM

Prompt comes when computer is turned on

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 08:06 PM

The only thing I can do is get into startup menu before the prompt if I press F10

Dummy-in-Linux · 04-20-2010, 08:34 PM

Lets start with what is the brandname and model of the notebook, this can tell use maybe which Linux distribution and release version your are using...

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 08:37 PM

OK Thanks Dummy in Linux. Brandname etc

HP Mini 110-1081TU Netbook

Karl Godt · 04-20-2010, 08:44 PM

1 BIOS
2 LILO
2.5 GRUB
3 FAILSAFE-DOS
3.5 FAILSAFE-Gaphical-Text-Mode

all are or have prompts.

Could you tell us more about the numbers of prompts or menue you can go ?

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 08:59 PM

No menu, when turned on it just prompts for user and password

grail · 04-20-2010, 09:42 PM

Seems to be an Ubuntu derivative. Did you happen to log into it yourself, ie with your own account?

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 10:44 PM

No hadn't set up my own account yet. Worked perfectly yesterday, with no need to login, today turned it on and required login

grail · 04-20-2010, 10:55 PM

Well assuming Ubuntu is correct, give this a try (seems pretty straight forward):
http://www.ubuntugeek.com/how-to-rec...er-ubuntu.html

Gaby Wilkens · 04-20-2010, 11:53 PM

grail thanks for you help but

Seems to work up until putting in a new password, comes up with

root@(none):/# Enter new UNIX password:

I put new password in and set, then go to type reboot. Comes up with

#shutdown: Unable to send message: Connection refused.

Not sure what to do next

Thanks in advance

grail · 04-21-2010, 12:03 AM

Well assuming new password has been set for your daughter's login, to confirm you should have received 2 prompts and 1 message:

Quote:

Enter new UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
passwd: password updated successfully

If you received all of the above it should be changed successfully, so you can force shutdown by holding down the power button.
Leave for 10 seconds or so and then restart.

Fingers crossed