Ubuntu
shadow package

What can I do when I cannot remember the password and username to boot up Linux ubuntu?

Asked by Christopher Parrott

i need to use system commands and access synaptic package manager, and I can't remember the username and password combination.

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Answered
For:
Ubuntu shadow Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
Chris (fabricator4) said : 		#1

To get your password, either look at the name on your /home directory, or look at the login/machine name in a terminal window. It will look something like:

username@machinename $

Next you will need to reset the password since you can't remember what it was. When the system starts up to the grub menu select the Ubuntu recovery option (usually second on the list) and when it boots to a menu select root command prompt.

In the console that will then be displayed type:

passwd username

and you will then be prompted to enter the new password. You can then reboot the computer with the command

reboot

when it may appear to take you back to the menu. Just wait a moment and the machine will reboot.

Chris

Can you help with this problem?

Provide an answer of your own, or ask Christopher Parrott for more information if necessary.

To post a message you must log in.