setting the shell

patostevens · 12-25-2009, 12:43 PM

I was sure it was here somewhere, but I can't find it. How do I set which shell to be used? I prefer bash.
Thanks.

dugan · 12-25-2009, 12:46 PM

patostevens · 12-25-2009, 12:49 PM

Not what I remembered but it works. Thanks a lot.

patostevens · 12-25-2009, 05:18 PM

now it doesn't work. After logging out, then re-starting, I can no longer log in. After entering the password, i get a message that says no such program (name of shell) and am kicked back to the log-in. Same problem when trying this with root also. Any cure or do I need to re-install?

Didier Spaier · 12-25-2009, 05:21 PM

See man usermod

patostevens · 12-25-2009, 05:26 PM

I looked and that is very helpful to the original problem. The current problem is that I cannot log in as either root or user. Is there a way around the situation that will allow me to get things set again or do I need to re-install?
Thanks.

DonnieP · 12-25-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patostevens

The current problem is that I cannot log in as either root or user. Is there a way around the situation that will allow me to get things set again or do I need to re-install?
Thanks.

Maybe boot to a rescue disk (or to another handy partition), mount the partition in question and modify the /etc/passwd file manually to change the shell? Just a guess.

patostevens · 12-25-2009, 06:02 PM

Thanks Donnie, that cured the problem of not logging in. Now to check the original part.

patostevens · 12-25-2009, 06:06 PM

Thanks again Donnie - cured the original problem also. Simply set the relevant lines in /etc/passwd to the proper /pathtoshell/shell.