im kinda new to linux.. ive used mandrake and fedora.. and im on knoppix right now.. but im trying to install gentoo... the problem is i didnt set my root password and i cant log on when im in runlevel 3.. is there a way to setup the bootloader to make linux load at level 1? i cant change anything even from knoppix... its all locked unless you are root... i use the grub bootloader... thanks

I found this after a bit of googling:

Step by Step instruction to change passwd of root
Submitted by paresh_atlas on Wed, 05/11/2005 - 07:42.

Here are the all steps to change password for root in linux:
1)when u reached at the grub screen press 'e' on linux
2)line which contains the word 'kernell' press 'e'
3)go to end of that line and write 'linux single'
4)the press 'esc' twice and press 'b' to reboot the system
5) now wait for the prompt u get, write easy command there:
passwd root
it will ask to enter new password for root

I hope this will help u.

Bye
Regards
Paresh (iamnothing)

thanks alot

wow.. i was so excited at first.. but when i tried that.. it didnt work.. it keeps entering runlevel 3.. i have no idea why... what exactly should the code look like?? heres what it is now.. i can get to it from here but i cant change the bootloader files...
kernel /kernel-2.6.12-gentoo-r6 root=/dev/hda3
where should i put the one.. or single.. or whatever??

since you can get to files go to /etc/inittab
there is a line like
id:3:initdefault:

change the 3 to a 1

In knoppix you launch a console, type "passwd root" enter, enter a root password, again, type "su", type the root password you made. Now you are root in knoppix. You can do this in any linux, or edit /etc/passwd file.

To run init type "/sbin/init 1"

Or, you can type "sudo /sbin/init 1"