Q&A for How to Change the Root Password in Linux

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Question

How do I find the current password?

77Ecrivan

Community Answer

If you have lost your current root password, you may need to use a password cracking tool to get it back. Depending on the strength of the password you set, this could be either very easy or very difficult. John the Ripper is a popular password cracking tool that might work for you.

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Question

I am facing an authentication failure problem even after using a valid password. What can be the reason?

77Ecrivan

Community Answer

If you are certain that you are in fact using the correct password, then you may have been locked out. To check if your account is locked, open up the terminal and enter "passwd -S [user name]". This should present you with some numbers and letters, a date and your user name. At the end of this line, check to see if it says "(Password locked.)". You can unlock an account by running "passwd -u" in the terminal.

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Question

I have tried this. The first time it works well, but not the second. I notice my linux line does not have the /boot/, can it still work?

Haxalicious

Community Answer

If your linux line does not have /boot/ and it does not boot up then you have broken your GRUB. You will need to re-add this line to boot your computer. If there is another path then just add the required things after "ro" on the linux line.

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Question

I'm at the step of enter new password, but I can't input any text at this step. Any ideas?

Somone

Community Answer

You can type, but anything you type is not shown (you are typing the password). Be very careful not to make a mistake in the new password.

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