Root Password

[froggertplox]

I was recently given a computer with linux mint on it, coming from nothing but windows it's...new to say the least. So far I've found I like the way everything seems logical, but because I was given this computer \ I was wondering. Is there anyway to reset a root password and/or and "administrative password? I was trying to download wine but couldn't because I didn't have the right password. I do have the old root password but would like to reset it and the root user if possible.

Thanks for any help in advance.

[viking777]

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=84256&hilit=reset+password

See that box at the top right hand corner of the page you are viewing? It is called forum search. We like to encourage people to use it before posting.

Thank you

[froggertplox]

I did search >.< but maybe just to specifically.

[nixguy]

I was recently given a computer with linux mint on it, coming from nothing but windows it's...new to say the least. So far I've found I like the way everything seems logical, but because I was given this computer \ I was wondering. Is there anyway to reset a root password and/or and "administrative password? I was trying to download wine but couldn't because I didn't have the right password. I do have the old root password but would like to reset it and the root user if possible.

Thanks for any help in advance.

when you got the computer did they give you the user id and password to login, if it's the only user id, then the root password is the same as your login password.

if not you could try this

http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/339

or

viewtopic.php?f=199&t=124480



Cheers

Nix

[bigj231]

Just remember, root=bad. Don't use it. If you needed to use it, you wouldn't need to ask how or why. Sudo is much better and safer. It just gives you temporary root for one operation.

[SaintDanBert]

Since you can login, can you use the 'sudo' command? If so, you can accomplish any administrative
command desired with 'sudo someCommand'.

Using the sudo command itself, you can set a root password without a lot of trouble.
The option "-i" asks for a shell that simulates an original login session.

Code: Select all

prompt$  sudo  -i {ENTER}
... password dialog ...
prompt#


The trailing hash mark on the prompt informs you that you are running a shell as "root".
To set a root password, simply do the following:

Code: Select all

prompt# passwd {ENTER}

Enter new password: ***********
Renter password:  **********
prompt#


You can end your root session using either the 'exit' command or simply CTRL-D to provide an
end-of-file to the shell's STDIN.

Now, you can do whatever you want with your root account using the password you provided.
Like others in this thread, I discourage routine operations using a root login and encourage
use of 'sudo' or 'gksu' or similar to admin activities.

Hoping this helps,
~~~ 0;-Dan