Ubuntu 5.10 root problems
 

Ok just got ubuntu. Seems like a distro that I am going to like. One thing though. Root is disabled by default. I was not asked to set a password. To enable the root account you apparently have to type

sudo passwrd root

I am then asked for a password. If i type in one that I want to use it says

Sorry. Please try again.

If i leave it blank it gives me the prompt again. I can hardly do anything as my system needs new software and further configuation I have to do as root but can't get in as a password hasn't been set. If I try not entering a password I get an error message. If i try using a password... I get an error message.

Help please

Thanks

Ironfistchamp

You can try

sudo -s -H

This will bring you into a constant "super user mode" that has the same power as root.

I just tried "sudo passwd root" on my Ubuntu 5.10 box and it worked fine.

I just noticed that you typed "passwrd" not "passwd"

passwd is the correct way to enter the command

The other problem is that when you use "sudo" it is probably asking you for your USER password. Then once you use your USER password to become root, it will prompt you to enter a ROOT password.

Thanx fo the help. I understand now and sorted it. Thanx again

Ironfistchamp