Title: How to Reset a Forgotten Root Password on Linux
Introduction:
Forgetting passwords can be frustrating, especially when it's the root password on your Linux system. However, fear not! There's a relatively straightforward method to reset it. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to reset a forgotten root password on a Linux system.
Step 1: Access the GRUB Menu When you start your Linux system, you'll encounter the GRUB menu. This is where you can choose the operating system or kernel version to boot into. However, instead of immediately hitting Enter, we need to make some changes.
Step 2: Edit Boot Parameters Highlight the desired entry using the arrow keys and press the 'e' key to edit its boot parameters. You'll see a screen with various lines of text.
Step 3: Modify the Kernel Command Line
Locate the line that starts with linux
, linux16
, or linuxefi
, depending on your system. Look for the part that says "rhgb quiet"
. After this text, add rw init=/bin/bash
, ensuring there's a space between the existing text and the new addition.
Step 4: Boot into Bash Shell Once you've made the modification, press Ctrl+x or F10 to boot with the altered parameters. This will initiate the boot process with the Bash shell as the initial process, bypassing the need for a root password.
Step 5: Reset the Password
Congratulations, you've entered the Bash shell as the root user without needing a password! Now, it's time to reset the forgotten password. Use the passwd
command followed by the username whose password you want to change (typically 'root'). You'll be prompted to enter a new password.
Step 6: Reboot the System
After successfully changing the root password, you can reboot the system using the reboot
/usr/sbin/reboot –f command. Once the system restarts, you can log in with the newly set password.
Conclusion: Forgetting the root password on a Linux system can be stressful, but with the right knowledge, it's a hurdle that can be easily overcome. By accessing the GRUB menu, modifying the boot parameters, and utilizing the Bash shell, you can reset the forgotten password and regain access to your system. Remember to keep your passwords secure and regularly update them to enhance the security of your Linux environment.
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