I can log in and sudo to root, however anything assocated with /etc/passwd seems to hang when executed.

Intially I executed sudo passwd root and received a password prompt. Entering in a new password displayed it (no echo off) and never completed the transaction.

I did a google search and didn't find anything and a search here showed two similar questions which weren't answered.

I ran a pwconv as a troubleshooting step but it also hung.

Rebooting the box will correct the problem but I hate doing that without knowing what the problem is, especially since this is the third linux box it's happening on.

I'd love to be able to use truss on it. I'll have see if there's an equivalent tool for linux.

Quick background: I'm mainly a solaris admin now working in a mixed linux, solaris and aix environment. I've worked somewhat in linux for some time but mostly personal stuff. This is the first production linux environment I've worked in.

Thanks for any advise/tips/hints and even answers.

Carl Schelin

If you want a rough truss equivalent try strace ... I don't use truss enough to tell whether it's better or worse, but it should give you a rough idea what's hanging.