How to edit the /etc/passwd file not using root?
 

Hi All,

Today I faced a problem trying to log in as root. The output error is
cannot execute sh: No such file....

I doubted there is something wrong with shell interpreter which resides in /etc/passwd file for every user who logs in.
I checked and the line for root account was self-corrupted like below:
root:x:0:0:root:/root:sh

THe line for the user I`m using looks fine

elton:x:1000:1000:Elton,,,:/home/elton:/bin/bash

Can anyone tell me how to modify the line of root to add the proper path of shell?

Thanks

Sorry can't help with your problem, just wanted to say hello to a fellow Elton (Don't see many of us around)

Elton

There may be a simpler way, but I'd boot a live cd, mount the relvant volume and edit it that way

Even if the debian i`m using is under virtual machine, boo from cd is valid way?

You could log in as a normal user and use "su" or "sudo" to edit the /etc/passwd file.In this example I'm using "su", so you enter the root user's password.In the second example I'm using "sudo", so you enter the "normal" user's password, not root's.

try booting single user and editing the file
when you come to grub boot screen type e then type init=/bin/bash
then enter

Thanks, I managed to edit passwd file and now I can log in.

curious
 

I'm just curious:
how can the /etc/password file get self-corrupted?
And even so only by having the shell definition changed?

You surely must have done something to it...

Xen in Hardy

No worries, glad to help

Hi Marquard,

Just for your curiosity I`m not that stupid to change my self the passwd file and specifically the line belonging to the root :) I don`t know what happened, as far as i remember before yesterday nothing critical was installed in the system...so it will be a mystery :)

Thanks