topic Root password in Operating System - HP-UX

Root password

N. Man — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:48:05 GMT

I lost root password; how can I recover it?

Re: Root password

Rita C Workman — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:51:43 GMT

Reboot server...be at the console (either in front of it, or via MP Port)

Interupt boot
Go into single user mode
Might need to mount /usr

But from here you can reset passwd.

Rgrds,
Rita

Re: Root password

James R. Ferguson — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:53:47 GMT

Hi:

Two choices:

1. Remember what you forgot

2. Seriously: Boot into single-user mode and use 'passwd' to establish a new one.

Regards!

...JRF...

Re: Root password

N. Man — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:57:19 GMT

Sorrrryyy guys ... I'm a .net/web developer :((... I don't know to many things about Unix. Can you please tell me step by step how do I do this? Sorry again about this.

Re: Root password

Tim Nelson — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:36:05 GMT

Trusted or non-trusted system ??

11.23 and 11.31 now ask for old password even in single user mode (at least with trusted system enabled ( maybe try /usr/bin/passwd vs /sbin/passwd)

Steps:

1 )Log in as root, wait, you do not know the password...
1) crash server either by RS or TOC from MP CM mode. ( or by pulling the power cords ;)

After self-tests you will be prompted for "hit any key to interupt in 10 sec... "

Hit the "any" key. (it is right next to the delete key ;)

From BCH enter "BO" ( assuming PA-RISC server)
when asked if you would like to interact with ISL answer "Y"

at ISL propmt enter "hpux -is"

System will boot to single user and you will have a shell prmpt.

If not trusted you may be able to just use the passwd command as noted above.

else if trusted:
mount /usr and /var ( might need to fsck them )
cd /tcb/files/auth/r
vi root
clear out the passwd field in this file then save.
execute passwd command
select a new password and remember it this time.

Boot to run level 3:
init 3

Re: Root password

Torsten. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:44:04 GMT

This information would be helpful:

# model
# uname -a

Please post results.

Re: Root password

SKR_1 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:59:57 GMT

Try this if works......

1. /usr/lbin/modprpw -x root
2. passwd root

Thanks

SKR

Re: Root password

OFC_EDM — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:20:27 GMT

I see the solutions are posted.

But once you solve your password issue I suggest to:

Create a secure drive (encrypted) on a secure server with limited user access and not connected to the internet.

Use a product like password safe and keep all your passwords in it.

Don't put it on your PC and carry it around with your...PC's / laptops get stolen.

This goes against the old philosophy of never writing passwords down. But when you have 100's to remember this is a viable option.

And you'll never have to worry about forgetting passwords again.

It's free and you can set it up to keep a password history in case you ever have to restore from an old backup and forget the old passwords.