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Old 04-03-2004, 09:29 AM   #1
lightningcount
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Registered: Apr 2004
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lost root password

I am a 100% complete linux newb. I won a comp in a contest and linux redhat v6.0 or something was on it. But the root password that I was provided with doesn't work. I know that it is case sensitive, but still it is false. I was wondering if I could change the root password without actually having it or the linux distro cd. Please watch the technical linux language. I understand windows and mac language completely but linux is very new to me.
 
Old 04-03-2004, 09:43 AM   #2
ranger_nemo
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Registered: Feb 2003
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You will need to boot into "single-user" mode. It boots straight to root being logged in. This is a boot that is meant to be used to upgrade or backup a system without any normal users being allowed to access it.

Follow the instructions in my answer to this message...

<< http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...threadid=91098 >>

Note to self... I've used this link twice in one visit. Write-up a small HOW-TO to add to the LinuxAnswers section.
 
Old 04-03-2004, 09:45 AM   #3
profjohn
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Quote:
I won a comp in a contest and linux redhat v6.0 or something was on it.
I really don't know any security minded admin that would offer you help on this one...

Sorry.
 
Old 04-03-2004, 09:46 AM   #4
ranger_nemo
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I forgot to say, congratulations on the win. How good of a computer is it? Prob'ly not too great if it has RH 6, but should be a good start to learn Linux.
 
Old 04-03-2004, 10:04 AM   #5
lightningcount
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it was actually redhat v8.0, I never use linux b/c I don't the root pass so I know very little about it.
 
Old 04-03-2004, 11:08 AM   #6
lightningcount
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Thanx for all of the help, i got it on the 2nd try with the fix
 
Old 08-19-2004, 12:33 PM   #7
dbruso
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Registered: Aug 2004
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Thanks, Ranger Nemo
I'm another newbie who locked himself out of root. Your instructions worked like a charm!

Thanks a lot.
 
Old 08-19-2004, 12:42 PM   #8
egag
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Registered: Jul 2004
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Quote:
Originally posted by profjohn
I really don't know any security minded admin that would offer you help on this one...

Sorry.
good answer.

who wins a computer with RH , secured with a password ??? ( a used one ..eh.? )

don't think the goal of this site is to help crime.

egag
 
Old 08-19-2004, 02:48 PM   #9
scuzzman
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Actually: my friends and I buy computers from auctions and give them out @ LAN Parties as prizes. Sometimes they are secured with passwords, then it becomes that much more fun
 
Old 08-19-2004, 06:25 PM   #10
egag
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Registered: Jul 2004
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thank you for the explanation, but.... it would be better to remove the password
before you give them away. it wouldn't raise the idea the PC might be 'not legal'.

egag
 
  


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