retrieve root password

[khilari]

Hi guys, actually when i was loading red hat i forgot to put in the passoword for root. Now, i just have one user on it, but i cant seem to get the password for root. How do i get it.
Thanks

[Ivan Ferreira]

You must reboot the computer and start in single user mode, see this thread for detailed information:

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=1013650

[skt_skt]

good threads....

[Emil Velez]

You could compile "John the Ripper" as a user and get a copy of the password file and let it run for a few hours if you think you did not use a complex password.

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

If you have followed password complexity guidelines, "John the ripper" or crack may be unable to retrieve password for root.

Also, obtain permission from management prior to trying such programs, they are not permitted by many companies.

Single user mode is a much better, approved way to proceed. Requires of course console access.

SEP

[dirk dierickx]

if you forgot to put in the root password during install, shouldn't it just be blank?

[Rob Leadbeater]

I'm fairly certain RedHat forces you to enter something for the root password during installation.

Although "RedHat" is quite a broad term...

Cheers,

Rob

[Paul Cross_1]

It is also unlikely that you can get the passwd information for JTR to crack. The passwd is usually located in the shadow file which is not readable by a regular user.

[Nuwan Alwis]

Hi,
Wel as i know you cant get ur old password back but if you sstart ur linux box in single user mode you can reset ur root passwd. this not helps you to get in to a system where it is protected with boot loder password.
any way if you want to know how to do it from single user mode reply me and ill give you the steps.

Nuwan J

[khilari]

sure, let me know.