password and username

richard1952 · 05-23-2013, 07:54 AM

just got an old elonex netbook from a friend. It was sitting in his garage for years, and he can't remember the username or password. Is there a way around this, or is it now just junk?

rtmistler · 05-23-2013, 07:59 AM

Doesn't sound like that matters, just install a fresh copy of Linux onto it. Why bother trying to recover, just see if you can run something current.

shivaa · 05-23-2013, 08:09 AM

Though password can be recoverd for root, but let's know what Linux distro/version it has installed? Also if nothing important is there in the machine, then reinstallation of your favourite OS would be a good idea.

bloodstreetboy · 05-25-2013, 08:05 AM

If Linux is already installed, try to search recover password methods on your distro.
There are several.
You can install popular Linux distribution Ubuntu or mint or Slackware.

Madhu Desai · 05-25-2013, 08:10 AM

boot in single user mode and change root password.

DavidMcCann · 05-25-2013, 11:49 AM

I doubt that you'd be able to install another Linux. The first Elonex had an XBurst CPU, the next had an ARM! The version of Linux installed was their own custom port.

I'd reset the password as single user: it's bound to be useful to someone for something, and it's newer than my laptop.