forgotten/compromised password for localhost username root
 

hi sir.need ur help. a desktop comp is endorsed to me with Linux system. the previous user failed to give the password for localhost root and im not able to login to the system. I really need to backup the files and programs installed and afraid to reboot since our database program is installed in the pc. would really appreciate your help.ty

If you have physical access, rebooting into single user mode should allow you to reset the root password. Google around for Linux single user mode and you should find directions for how to do this.

In a particular distro even a single user mode asks for root password. Best would be use a live-cd/dvd and use chroot and friends. Read/search similar posts in this forum.

and if grub is password protected .....
or if the drive is encrypted .....


get the password from the original user

or the BEST option

use DBAN and nuke the drive and install a NEW os

Search online for a john the ripper tutorial.