Root and user password issue???? Asking for what user's password?

the problem with this thread is that OP has never really defined the problem properly, and others willing to help are making (probably wrong) assumptions.

something in post #4 makes me think OP might even be talking about a bios password.

dear original poster, you have to show us exactly what is wrong, with some additional info about your system.
please read the first link in my signature.

my advice to reinstall was made in exasperation and not really seriously - what i meant: if you just keep on telling us that you can't get into your system no matter what, what else can anyone advise?

but ... i am a little sceptical how this can continue to be a problem since 4 months ago.

I agree - had the same thought when OP replied two days ago.

I don't think he is getting past the BIOS, or maybe a third party boot manager, and is not booted into his OS at all.

OK, This is a different hdd than previous one [had to reinstall to finally fix], and am into the OS [have no password requirement to do that] so can use files, etc. BUT can't get into the control center, which in suse is called YAST. This is exactly same problem as on the other hdd [on my laptop -- a GoBook IX 260+ -- can easily swap hard drives].
Since am using the keys is no problem with the numerical elements, and know the password I use is correct, and have successfully changed it as well.
Just won't go past the password requirement for control center and keeps saying my password is incorrect. Also as I am only user, the system automatically identifies me as the administrator so only password can change is that of root; have checked this out by trying other of my employed user names on the command line frenzy single user mode [can't get to superuser mode on simple command line as require password which again won't work] and for all except 'root' it says is no such user.
Thanks for everyones' attention; I know this is very strange problem.

What's the output of the following?
You should be prompted for your user's password, unless your /etc/sudoers file grants your user/group sudo access with the NOPASSWD parameter.

with xterm input of: sudo -l
get response of: root's password