$#!% passwd file removed, how do I log in as root?

BrianK · 08-18-2004, 07:48 PM

In my failed attempt to edit the passwd file on all machines, I clobbered the passwd file on one machine, so it is now blank.

I can log into the machine via NIS as any normal user, but I can't login as root to restore the passwd file. Is there anyway to get logged in?

To make matters more complicated, this machine has no CD ROM drive. (I could have just used knoppix, mounted the drive, & restored the file if that were the case).

Tinkster · 08-18-2004, 08:04 PM

Reboot, single (or init 1) ... if it's an old enough
version of RH/MDK you'll get a root bash-prompt

If it's slack or another sensible distro;
single init=/bin/sh
(Btw, that's why my linux installs all have restricted
in their lilo-options ;})

Cheers,
Tink

BrianK · 08-18-2004, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tinkster
Reboot, single (or init 1) ... if it's an old enough
version of RH/MDK you'll get a root bash-prompt

If it's slack or another sensible distro;
single init=/bin/sh
(Btw, that's why my linux installs all have restricted
in their lilo-options ;})

Cheers,
Tink

excellent idea, but I can't edit my /etc/inittab. Is there another way to specify the runtime level?

Tinkster · 08-18-2004, 08:14 PM

At boot, as a kernel parameter
init 1

BrianK · 08-18-2004, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tinkster
At boot, as a kernel parameter
init 1

YOU RULE!

Thanks.

penguin4 · 08-19-2004, 06:24 AM

tinkster; I second that motion! for as long as responding to posts finally some one else with same problem i,ve had & bingo Tink to the rescue viola!
absolutely thank you. all my research & a simple solution such as U provided. Oh well that is how LQO forums work & Great! back to basics.

Tinkster · 08-19-2004, 02:23 PM

BrianK, penguin4,

thanks for the praise, greatly appreciated :)

Cheers,
Tink