debian user home directory

afzalmasood · 07-21-2008, 09:15 PM

Hi everyone,

I just installed debian today and I mistakenly changed the home directory of the only user to something that is incorrect. Now when I try to logon to that user it doesn't let me log on. Can someone please tell me how to fix this problem?

thanks

jailbait · 07-21-2008, 09:26 PM

Login as root and change the directory name back to what it should be.

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Steve Stites

afzalmasood · 07-22-2008, 08:41 AM

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question. Is it possible that you could give me a little more detail as I am a newbie. If you dont mind could you please tell me how to login as root and what command to enter to change the directory name.

Thanks

odcheck · 07-22-2008, 08:52 AM

At the gdm/kdm/xdm login screen press CTRL+ALT+F1 then you'll be on a terminal.
Login as root

cd to the home dir's and perform a

Code:

mv name correctname (ENTER)

Dutch Master · 07-22-2008, 08:56 AM

OK, (re)boot your system and select 'single user mode'. When asked for the root password, enter it. You're now on the commandline. Don't be afraid, we'll help you out

Next, issue this command:

Code:

cd /home
mv <old-name-of-dir> <new-name-of-dir>

Example: if you named it afzal and you want it named masood, issue this command:

Code:

mv afzal masood

The cd command changes the working directory to /home. Check if the dir is renamed properly with

Code:

ls /home

You can ommit the /home suffix of that command if you're in the /home dir. When all is right, reboot your system with

Code:

reboot

Let it boot normally.

afzalmasood · 07-22-2008, 10:31 AM

Thanks guys, I couldn't have done it without your help.