Recover - Reset forgotten linux root password
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From Linuxconfig.org
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Introduction
This method of reseting/recovering of lost Linux root password should work on most of the linux distributions. I have tested this method for couple years already, starting with debian woody via redhat and suse to ubuntu hardy. If you run lilo boot loader instead of grub you can use the same method but with some modifications on how to edit lilo boot prompt.
Edit Grub boot menu options
First you need to get into grub menu options. This menu is displayed right at the beginning of the boot. If you can not see your grub menu options press "ESC' key. You should get something similar to this:
Now we attempt to edit grub's boot option. Press "e" to edit the first grub menu option and navigate to kernel line:
Press "e" key again to edit and remove:
quiet splash
and add:
init=/bin/bash
You may have some different boot options but the main part you need to change/add is init=/bin/bash. You will get something similar to this:
Press enter:
At this point we have edited grub boot menu and we are ready to boot. Press "b" key to boot.
Remount / and /proc
After successfully boot you will be presented with bash command prompt:
On some linux systems you will need to completely mount / and /proc partitions. Enter following commands:
mount -o remount,rw / mount -o remount,rw /proc
- NOTE: If you think that your partition is already mounted RW run the above command anyway as on some systems you will not be able reset password. If you fail to do so and you get this error:
passwd: Authentication token lock busy
- NOTE: On some Linux distributions you will have /proc mounted already if you do not have just run:
mount /proc
reset / recover forgotten linux root password
Reseting password now is as simple as typing :
passwd
Reboot
Before you reboot is recommended but not compulsory to run
sync
command. You job of reseting a linux root password is done.
