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. Delete "quiet" and "splash" from the options if either is present, 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

Another method (using chroot)

1. boot your system with the Live CD, ensuring you select the correct keyboard (or your password may be mangled)
2. use the root account to log in.
3. mount your "/" partition from the harddisk
4. 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)

1. type passwd and input a new password

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

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