[sf-lug] root password set? Re: Laptop computers

[Michael Paoli]

> From: "Bobbie Sellers" <bliss-sf4ever at dslextreme.com>
> Subject: Re: [sf-lug] Laptop computers
> Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2019 11:44:31 -0700

>     Is the root password set?

Does it much matter?
So long as the root filesystem isn't encrypted ...
boot from recovery(/rescue/install) media
mount the (nominal) root filesystem rw
set/change the root password (its hash, etc. is in file etc/shadow)
sync&&sync
umount that filesystem
One has now changed the root password to whatever password one has
chosen (possibly also including no password at all).
One may then boot normally and login as root, and if desired
(further) change the root password to one's liking.

Alas, have done such many a time at [L]UG meetings, for folks that have
lost/forgotten root password.

(and why are far too many potential Linux sysadmin candidates unable to
explain how to reset a forgotten/lost Linux root password?)