How to restore a lost root password...

[Matthew Seaman]

DSA - JCR wrote:
> Hi all
> 
> I have lost the neuron where I stored the root password of an installation ;D
> 
> I have seen a "How to" about this but I have a problem, i set the console
> to insecure, so when I try to do the step of the "how to" i get a message
> to input the root password or Ctrl-D to enter in multiuser mode.
> 
> Is there a way to restore/modify it, or not?
> 
> Some ideas?

You can try booting from installation media into 'fixit' mode or live
filesystem.  Once there, you can mount your HDD read-write; edit 
/etc/master.password to remove the crypted password string from the
line for the root account; run 'cap_mkdb ./master.passwd'; reboot back to 
your normal system and then log in as root (no password) and 
/immediately/ set another root password.

This time, don't forget your root password.  If you struggle to memorise
it, then *write it down* on its own, on a blank sheet of paper.  Don't 
add any really obvious text like "this is the root password for my 
server" -- after all, we don't want to make it too easy for anyone trying 
to break in do we?  Seal that paper in an envelope and keep it in a safe 
place.  But not so safe that you forget where you put it...

	Cheers,

	Matthew

-- 
Dr Matthew J Seaman MA, D.Phil.                   7 Priory Courtyard
                                                  Flat 3
PGP: http://www.infracaninophile.co.uk/pgpkey     Ramsgate
                                                  Kent, CT11 9PW

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