[SOLVED] My password won't allow superuser access

Joe_R · 07-29-2011, 05:15 PM

I have never set up any other password, yet I'm asked for Root password and therefore locked out from superuser.
This is my own personal computer at home and there is no other O/S installed.
My password works for almost anything else I've needed it for so far but I can't install my printer driver, or access su, or any of its other related privileges.
I'm really trying to get a grip on this O/S, so any help would be really appreciated.

igadoter · 07-29-2011, 05:22 PM

As I know there are two kind of Linux distros. In the first an installer asks about root password, in the second kind the root account is not allowed at all - administrative tasks are done using sudo. What a distro are you runnig?

Joe_R · 07-29-2011, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the reply. Linux 2.6.38-10 generic, Debian based, Gnome 2.32.1.

igadoter · 07-29-2011, 05:44 PM

Oh yes. It is very annoying particularly in Live distribution based on Debian when you need access to the root account but..
Under Debian for me works the following trick

Code:

$ sudo passwd

this command in fact sets a new password for a root account.

Joe_R · 07-29-2011, 06:28 PM

Again, Thanks for the reply igadoter. I will try that. If all's well I will let you know as well as a positive post.

Joe_R · 07-29-2011, 07:05 PM

igadoter. I had to reply as promised to let you know that you've helped me tackle something
I've been stuck on for days.
Thank you.