I corrupted /etc/shadow

shifty51 · 03-21-2006, 02:12 PM

Hello all
I did a stupid thing, i played with the /etc/shadow file as root
and now nobody can log in. I have found an article that tells me how to fix it, but i need to be in run level 1. I don't know how to do that, so if anyone knows how to boot to run level 1 through grub in FC4, or a way to fix the shadow file, that would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

mcmillan · 03-21-2006, 02:35 PM

I know Ubuntu adds an entry to grub for a rescue mode, which is the pretty much run-level 1. If you don't have an option like that you could try booting with a LiveCD and mount your root partition. Edit your /etc/inittab file, where it says id:5:initdefault: to be id:1:initdefault:

Just remember to change it back when your done. Depending on the directions you might be able to fix things from the liveCD without needing to boot into a single user mode.

There's probably an easier way to do this, but that's the first thing I can think of.

Hobbletoe · 03-21-2006, 05:40 PM

As root ...

Code:

# init 1

To get back after correcting your /etc/shadow file...

Code:

# init 5

nixcraft · 03-21-2006, 05:59 PM

Try
Recovering deleted /etc/shadow password file :
http://www.cyberciti.biz/nixcraft/vi...w-password.php

Pass init=/bin/bash and then recover it

shifty51 · 03-21-2006, 08:44 PM

thanks guys, the problem is fixed now and i owe you debt of gratitude.

Cheers