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

[Bobbie Sellers]

On 9/26/19 12:45 AM, Michael Paoli wrote:
>> 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?

     I see that once again I was inexact in my terminology.
     I meant the password to the BIOS/Firmware.

     Sorry for my stupidity.
     But Your advice is exact.
>
> 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?)
>
>
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