Forgotten all passwords and logins!
 

I have trawled through the posts looking for an answer but cannot find anything. Sorry if this is rudiemntary, but I have installed Linux (for the first time), then not used it for a while, now I am learning UNIX at work and wanted to use Linux at home, and I have forgoten all login and password info including the root password (I know I know, stupid!) :NEWBIE:

Is there anyway around this without having to re install Linux from scratch?

Thanks in advance

Mobyuk

I'm not sure what Distro you are using. Most of them come with a 'rescue' mode on the cd that you installed from.... It will chroot you into the system. Then you can 'passwd root' and set a new password for root. You might want to take the time to download a live CD such as Knoppix or my favorite is the latest Gentoo CD.... They come in handy for stuff like this. Without knowing what Distro you are running thats about all I can say.... Anyone being able to change the root password is about the largest security hole not to mention very short sighted so I've implemented security polices on commands like that so I would be SOL if I were you. But, if you can get to a prompt thru one means or another all is well....

i replied to the same question 3rd time for today

not sure what distro u using, but should work in general
http://kitech.com.my/fedoraguide/ind...gerootpassword

change your root password, then change all your other user's password

good luck

Thanks
 

Sorted.

(Sorry should have mentioned distro = Red Hat 9)

As always, I am in awe of the amount of help and community spirit that exists in Linuxland.

Cheers guys.

Mobyuk