changing root password (not logged in)

rinux · 05-22-2003, 08:56 AM

hello,
i need to change the root password while not logged, how can i ??
i tried using linux rescue while booting from the linux CD
but the part of fdisk /dev/hda doesn't work can u help me plz

acid_kewpie · 05-22-2003, 09:06 AM

get your lilo or grub screen, press esc or ctrl+x for lilo, then run "linux single", on grub, press e, then add "single" to the boot command. when you get to a prompt you will be root, just run "passwd" to set it again.

rinux · 05-22-2003, 09:31 AM

how can i get my lilo or grub screen

david_ross · 05-22-2003, 12:56 PM

Are you using grub or lilo?

rinux · 05-22-2003, 01:00 PM

david_ross · 05-22-2003, 01:07 PM

1) Reboot
2) Highlight the entry for your os
3) Press e
4) Select the kernel line
5) Press e
6) Append " 1" no quotes to the line
7) Press enter
8) Press b

rinux · 05-22-2003, 01:13 PM

can u explain more plz what is 1 and b and why ???
THANKS

david_ross · 05-22-2003, 01:15 PM

1 will put you into runlevel 1 which is single user mode and b will boot.

Why what? Why do this? Because YOU forgot YOUR root password

rinux · 05-22-2003, 02:05 PM

THANKS A LOT it worked

but last 2 questions
1- what is the meaning of single user mode
2- and if is that easy, how can i defend myself from anyone do so to me and change my root password ???

david_ross · 05-22-2003, 02:10 PM

1) It is the most basic access to a linux system - usually used for troubleshooting purposes.

2) It is only a weekness if:
a - Other people have your root password
b - Other people have access to your machine
If b is true then you can add a bootloader password to stop people editing the commands.

fancypiper · 05-22-2003, 02:15 PM

If your computer isn't physically secured, it isn't secure no matter what OS is used.