Ubuntu
sudo package

"su -" doesn't work

Asked by helotbc

I'm running Unbuntu 11.10. When in the terminal, I type "su -" am prompted for a pw. I enter the root pw and get an "su: authentication failure" error. I'm using the same pw which is successful in installing software and that works when I use the "sudo" command. Is there something I'm missing?

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Ubuntu sudo Edit question
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actionparsnip
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asp95 (asp95) said : 		#1

probe with "sudo su"

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asp95 (asp95) said : 		#2

test* with "sudo su"

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Best actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

There is no root password in Ubuntu and the account is disabled. Simply run:

sudo -i

and you will get a root prompt. You can then run:

exit

to become your user again.

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helotbc (helotbc) said : 		#4

Thanks for the input. actionparsnip, I felt that I was missing something and your response answers that. I hadn't seen that point in the documention I have read. I'll keep digging through the docs. Thanks again for the help! -Brendan

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helotbc (helotbc) said : 		#5

Thanks actionparsnip, that solved my question.