How can i log into Ubuntu command line? I want to set the region code on my CD drives. Apparently, this can only be done from the command line. So How can I log in?

I use my normal log on and password that work when I first log on at start up or whenever I install software but the same log on information does not work on the command line. I'm stumpped.

I am using Ubuntu 12.04, AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3700+, OS Type 32 bit, disk 486.1 GB.

Please show exactly what you do to login and use code tags to post the output https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...do=bbcode#code

I am following instructions in the book "Ubuntu Kung Fu" which was written for Ubuntu 8.04 so there may be some changes since that time.

CTRL + Alt + F2 gets me the command line. After that, I just try to log in. It requests my log on name and then password.

CTRL+ALT+F7 gets me back into the GUI. I'm not sure what else to tell you.

It does not work. I type the same log on and password as I use for initially logging on when I turn on the computer. It tells me my log on and password was incorrect and the same prompt appears. I have the impression that I could do this forever without change.

Can you get to the cmd line from within the GUI?
If you can, can you post the output of

Yes. I use CTRL+ALT+F2. That gets me to the CMD line. That's where the problem comes in. I enter the same logon and password as I used to open Ubuntu initially without success. Unless I can log on, I cannot enter any commands. ...like to assign a region code for my DVD drives.

No, I meant from within the GUI ie open a terminal session using the terminal menu option.

first of all forget ctrl+alt+f2 for some time.

Now from GUI try opening a terminal (right click and terminal option for most distro's) as mentioned above. Now try to do something..

this is more likely what @Chrism01 asked you.

I'm not sure what you mean by right clicking the GUI. To me the GUI is the "desktop". Right? When i right click the desktop I do not see any options to go to the command line. My options are: Create a new folder, create a new file, keep aligned (whatever that means) and change desktop background. That's it.

I'm sorry to be so obtuse. I'm a long time windows user and used to the methods that window uses. The Ubuntu GUI is different although it does use some of the same techniques as Windows. Some I can figure out but some I can't - like this problem.

If you could give me some step by step instructions they would be greatly appreciated. Right now I don't understand what you mean by getting there from the GUI without using the technique I mentioned.

thats not even any technique you mentioned...

Why dont you give a bit time to to your system ? when i say mostly it is there doesnt means it will always be there for all distros by default..

you can see a menu on the top of your desktop right ? you can explore the menu items to find out a terminal. that will even give an idea what is where in linux GUI's or you are looking for someone to spoon feed every other thing.

Yes, I finally found a terminal that doesn't require a password. Now I have to go back and find out what the heck to type in there. LOL! Thanks for your help so far. I'll keep you posted on my progress - if it doesn't work

you are done you can mark it as SOLVED. you always can open a new thread for new questions.

How does one mark a question "SOLVED"? I'm a NEWBIE!

see your first post on this page right at top "thread tools" --> mark as SOLVED.