[svlug] Getting root password

[Seth David Schoen]

Edward C. Lang writes:

> On Wed, Jul 05, 2000 at 11:34:53PM -0400, Hamid Dastkar wrote:
> > ...
> > I dont seem to be able to get anywhere with either, as it boots into 
> > multiuser mode.  How can I get into the single user  mode,
> > so I can change the root password and be able to access the stuff that
> > I need?  Or, get hold of a "generic" recovey disk to enter that way, if
> > that's how it is done?
> 
> I assume you're using LILO as your boot manager. At the LILO prompt, type:
> 
> linux init=/bin/sh
> 
> where linux is the name of what ever kernel you're using.
> 
> Then, at the root prompt you need to type this:
> 
> # mount -o remount,rw /
> 
> After that, you can just edit the /etc/passwd file
> 
> # vi /etc/passwd
> 
> Change vi to whatever editor you feel comfortable with.

Before rebooting, don't forget

mount -o remount,ro /

or else you'll force fsck at next book.

-- 
Seth David Schoen <schoen at loyalty.org>  | And do not say, I will study when I
Temp.  http://www.loyalty.org/~schoen/  | have leisure; for perhaps you will
down:  http://www.loyalty.org/   (CAF)  | not have leisure.  -- Pirke Avot 2:5