Reset root password

From MEPIS Documentation Wiki

MEPIS 7 and later

The following is an updated procedure for the newer kernels. GRUB:
1. Choose the kernel image you boot to (don't press Enter yet)
2. Append the command

init=/bin/sh

to the end of options, and hit enter.
3.When boot is complete you will be at a shell with this prompt: "sh-3.2#" At this prompt, enter the following string:

mount -o remount,rw /

4. Then type: passwd root
5. Follow the prompts to change the password.
6. Type: sync; reboot

Older MEPIS versions

!!! Warning! The info contained in this article pertains to older versions of MEPIS !!!
GRUB:

1. Choose the kernel image you boot to (don't press Enter yet)
2. Append the word single to the end of options, hit enter.
3. At command prompt type: passwd root
4. Follow the prompts to change the password.
5. Type: sync; reboot

LILO:

1. Boot your machine, then at the LILO prompt enter:linux single
2. Type: passwd root
3. Follow the prompts to change the password.
4. Type: sync; reboot

Another method (using chroot):

1. boot your system with the Live CD, use the root account to log in.
2. mount your "/" partition from the harddisk
3. open konsole and type "chroot /mnt/partitionname /bin/bash" where, of course, the partition name is the "/" partition name (e.g. chroot /mnt/hda2 /bin/bash)
4. type passwd and input a new password

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