Problem with root login !

eeeboy · 05-14-2007, 09:55 AM

I am very much new in Ubuntu [though not that much newbe in Red Hat !!] . Since I have installed ubuntu in my box , I tried to login ,it says that I can't login as a root from that screen. I have to login as a non root user. But I can login as root from "Recovery mode".

Anyway after logging in as a non root user , I can do "su root" , requires administrator pass , but outside that terminal window I can't have that root access , i mean I can't copy paste any files in graphical window since they show I have not access .

This is a weird problem for me !

Help ! Help !! Help !!!

stealth_banana · 05-14-2007, 09:58 AM

try

sudo nautilus

personally I prefer midnight commander (sudo apt-get install mc)

but be careful, there is a good reason for not allowing root logins. Its dangerous unless you know what you are doing.

WhatsHisName · 05-14-2007, 10:37 AM

eeeboy: Not allowing root login is a feature somewhat unique to Ubuntu, but you are assigned to group admin by default and have root privileges when using sudo.

Review the sudo manpage and you will discover numerous ways to overcome this limitation.

Code:

~$ sudo visudo
Password:
...
# Members of the admin group may gain root privileges
%admin ALL=(ALL) ALL
...

$ groups
-xxxxxxx- adm dialout cdrom floppy audio dip video plugdev scanner netdev lpadmin powerdev admin

Patrick K · 05-14-2007, 02:51 PM

I made a menu item; "Root file browser" that I use. Open "edit menus" and click on the administration menu. Select "new item". In the command box put "gksu nautilus". Name it what you want. Close up everything and then open the administration menu, you'll see "Root File Browser". When you click on it you'll be prompted for your password and the browser will open with root privileges.

Roni_G · 05-17-2007, 06:07 PM

I have a problem in the process of installation it didn't asked any password for "root" that i found weird, now it wont let me in... what should i do???? re-install it again?

WhatsHisName · 05-17-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roni_G

I have a problem in the process of installation it didn't asked any password for "root" that i found weird, now it wont let me in... what should i do???? re-install it again?

That’s normal. By default, Ubuntu does not give you root access other than through sudo, sort of.

Log in as a regular user and read up on sudo.

Patrick K · 05-17-2007, 06:44 PM

When ask for a PW, use your normal pw.

Roni_G · 05-18-2007, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhatsHisName

That’s normal. By default, Ubuntu does not give you root access other than through sudo, sort of.

Log in as a regular user and read up on sudo.

But I have tried "sudo" and it doesn't work it says
Can you help what command i can activate root? gives me "Authentication failure"

Roni_G · 05-18-2007, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick K

When ask for a PW, use your normal pw.

I did, and it cant recodnize it...

Wim Sturkenboom · 05-18-2007, 12:46 PM

The root account in Ubuntu is locked; read man passwd and check the -l option. To unlock, run sudo passwd root in a terminal.

Further a number of distros don't allow root login in the GUI (so only non-privileged users can use it).

Roni_G · 05-18-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wim Sturkenboom

The root account in Ubuntu is locked; read man passwd and check the -l option. To unlock, run sudo passwd root in a terminal.

Further a number of distros don't allow root login in the GUI (so only non-privileged users can use it).

Thank you very much