what does password field mean?

hongxing · 11-27-2005, 02:00 AM

in the /etc/shadow file, what does the passwd field mean when it is "*" ?
thanks!

no password? but I can not login

spooon · 11-27-2005, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hongxing
in the /etc/shadow file, what does the passwd field mean when it is "*" ?

it means that account is disabled

hongxing · 11-27-2005, 04:57 AM

no, If you see your /etc/passwd file, you will find the ftp
use is in such state, but it is enabled

reddazz · 11-27-2005, 07:55 AM

I think and entry with a "*" means that you can't log into the system as that user and using a "!" disables the account.

hongxing · 11-28-2005, 05:50 PM

sorry, I still can not understand

reddazz · 11-28-2005, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hongxing
sorry, I still can not understand

I've explained in my previous post what the "*" means you can't use that userid to login directly into that system. Users who usually have a "*" in /etc/shadow are usually system users, meaning that they do not need to login to the system using the cli or a graphical login manager. If this is still not clear look for a Linux book and look for the section regarding password managment, encryption and system users.