How to log into root
 

Can't log into root. Using Debian 3.0, Gnome 1.4 and xterm. When turning on the computer and Gnome comes up, or when I do: Main Menu>Run>New Login>
Username:root
Password:xxxxxxxxxxx
I get:

Welcom to fred

The system administrator is not allowed to login from this screen

I've Googled for an answer to this basic question, searched "has this been asked" but no joy. Now must ask this sub-basic question. Thanks, Ginny

Hi ginnytwo!!!

Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org. Open the xterm, then type "su" without the quotes, you will be prompted for the root password again. When you type the password and press RETURN, you will notice that you xterm prompt will change from "$" to "#", meaning that you are now logged as root. Try learning the command line stuff first, those tools usually are ratter disappointing :)

not 100% sure, but i think logging in as "su" only works if you are logged in as a user first. (you probably shouldn't be logging into gnome as root anyway ;)). if you're not logged in as a user, logging in as "root" works, but it seems that you are (rightly) being blocked from doing that at some level. so first log in as a user, then follow what Megaman X said. :cool:

Like synaptica supposed, gnome seems to take care of us by not letting users login to root; but I can and could login as a user. Megaman X's instructions worked, I can now work on my Linux box from (correct grammar?) the root.

Thanks so much Megaman X and synaptica. This was my first post to a Linux user's group and was really scared to ask the ultimate stupid nOOb question. JOY!; I asked said question and received only correct and kind advice.

Next, I hope to upgrade the kernal to 2.6 and load Open Office.

Thanks you for your support,

Ginny