Can't log in

Kalabew · 08-02-2003, 12:02 PM

I finally got a computer with the right hardware to run Linux, got everything set-up, installed RH 7.2, booted, and couldn't log in. I set up three users and can't log in using any one of their accounts. Worse yet, I can't log in as root. I can boot to a command prompt (my default). If I intentionally enter the wrong password, I get a message telling me so, but if the correct user/passwd combination are entered, the screen refreshes and I get the log in prompt again!!!

Help?!

TheWalkingDead · 08-02-2003, 12:52 PM

it sounds like you really don't have the correct password. if you can't log in as root, you might as well reinstall. pay attention to capital letters. linux is case sensitive just about EVERYWHERE.

Kalabew · 08-02-2003, 12:56 PM

I agree with you on the need for a reinstall. Any advice on how to make a boot disk to accomplish that? I'm pretty sure windows won't let me make one from cd (tried it, trying to get away from windows, but have had nothing but hardware issues). Is there someplace I can download a bootdisk image?

TheWalkingDead · 08-02-2003, 01:25 PM

if you're going to reinstall linux you don't need a bootdisk. just pop in the linux cd and restart. you can download bootdisks. you just have to edit them to match your system and kernel. do a search on google.

ksgill · 08-02-2003, 01:39 PM

NO NEED TO REINSTALL
From windows, use rawrite (on the CDROM at /dosutils) to create a boot disk from the image bootdisk.img on the CDROM at /images
and then you can simply pop it in the floppy drive and reboot

TheWalkingDead · 08-02-2003, 01:43 PM

no need to reinstall? what good is a bootdisk going to do if you can't access ANY account including root? if you would READ the posts, kalabew apparently doesn't have the correct passwords to any account on his system. since it was a new install, he's not going to lose any info by reinstalling. unless you have a way of accessing the root account without the password???

ksgill · 08-02-2003, 01:51 PM

yes sir, it can be done if you know how ex:
http://moose.qx.net/logs/00000008.html

ksgill · 08-02-2003, 01:53 PM

heres another one:
http://beta.experts-exchange.com/CXO..._20588009.html

TheWalkingDead · 08-02-2003, 02:39 PM

does that not seem way insecure to you?
anyway, kalabew if you're that new to linux and can't get it to work, just reinstall. it'll take you 30mins and you have no data loss.

lfur · 08-02-2003, 02:45 PM

Kalabew,

have you tried running linux in single user mode? Enter:
init 1

at the lilo prompt. If this puts you in the shell, then no reinstalling should be needed. You will just have to reset the passwords of every user you have on your system.

ksgill · 08-02-2003, 02:54 PM

Its not insecure but someone with physical access to your computer can break any security. Although, there are things you can do to prevent someone from changing your root password. Single user mode is listed in one of my links. If you dont understand this than just go ahead and reinstall it.

lucastic · 08-16-2003, 01:35 PM

that does seem very insecure.... Suprising?