LinuxQuestions.org
Review your favorite Linux distribution.
Go Back   LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Linux Forums > Linux - Distributions > SUSE / openSUSE
User Name
Password
SUSE / openSUSE This Forum is for the discussion of Suse Linux.

Notices


Reply
  Search this Thread
Old 09-10-2007, 10:56 PM   #1
geoffmat
LQ Newbie
 
Registered: Feb 2007
Posts: 8

Rep: Reputation: 0
Help - root passwd - new problem


So I have searched the threads and Googled this but I have a bad feeling I may have screwed myself beyond repair. I *believe* this angle on this problem is not covered in the other threads. If it is, apologies.

Per thread instructions I use the 1st install disk to get to rescue system, then I get to:
Rescue~:#

So then I type passwd, and it says "Changing passwd for root" but then it errors out to the following:
"User not known to the underlying authentication mode"

Have I skipped a crucial step somewhere? We walked away from this machine about 3 months ago, and I believe the last guy may have changed the "root" account name. Would that be causing the error? Is there any way to recover from this or do I need to re-install?

BTW - this is OpenSuse 10.1
 
Old 09-10-2007, 11:33 PM   #2
pixellany
LQ Veteran
 
Registered: Nov 2005
Location: Annapolis, MD
Distribution: Mint
Posts: 17,809

Rep: Reputation: 743Reputation: 743Reputation: 743Reputation: 743Reputation: 743Reputation: 743Reputation: 743
If you have physical access to the hardware, you can always reset the root password. Here are two methods:

1. Boot into "single-user" mode. Typically, when the GRUB menu appears, stop the countdown by hitting the tab key. If in graphical mode, you might need to hit "escape". Edit the kernel line to add the word "single" at the end. then boot--you should wind up in a CLI mode with no password required. Type "passwd root' to change the root password.

2. Boot from any Live CD, mount the Linux partition, and edit /etc/passwd----remove the first "x" in the entry for root. It will wind up like so:
root::.....etc
reboot and you will be able to log in as root with no password (at least to a terminal---many distros are set to not allow root to log in to the GUI)

Last edited by pixellany; 09-10-2007 at 11:34 PM.
 
Old 09-11-2007, 06:00 PM   #3
geoffmat
LQ Newbie
 
Registered: Feb 2007
Posts: 8

Original Poster
Rep: Reputation: 0
More basic help

Sorry - it appears I am a true neophyte. I tried to mount the linux partition but I can't find it/don't know how (read through the man page). It is an nfs partition. I thought root was automatically mounted when you used the instal cd?

Quote:
Originally Posted by pixellany View Post
If you have physical access to the hardware, you can always reset the root password. Here are two methods:

1. Boot into "single-user" mode. Typically, when the GRUB menu appears, stop the countdown by hitting the tab key. If in graphical mode, you might need to hit "escape". Edit the kernel line to add the word "single" at the end. then boot--you should wind up in a CLI mode with no password required. Type "passwd root' to change the root password.

2. Boot from any Live CD, mount the Linux partition, and edit /etc/passwd----remove the first "x" in the entry for root. It will wind up like so:
root::.....etc
reboot and you will be able to log in as root with no password (at least to a terminal---many distros are set to not allow root to log in to the GUI)
 
  


Reply

Tags
lost, password, root, suse


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off



Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Recovering a root passwd MrKhan Linux - General 1 11-13-2003 03:04 PM
root passwd Prasanth Linux - General 0 03-17-2003 05:12 AM
root passwd sparks Linux - Newbie 5 06-16-2002 07:25 AM
root login incorrect ,then passwd root,but error sunnycn Linux - Security 6 05-20-2002 10:54 AM
root passwd baburaj Linux - General 7 04-16-2002 12:59 PM

LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Linux Forums > Linux - Distributions > SUSE / openSUSE

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:25 PM.

Main Menu
Advertisement
My LQ
Write for LQ
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute content, let us know.
Main Menu
Syndicate
RSS1  Latest Threads
RSS1  LQ News
Twitter: @linuxquestions
Open Source Consulting | Domain Registration