checking user database failed at startup

[Andrew medhurst1]

guys i have an hp-ux 11-31 server and at boot it gives error checking user database fail
what does this mean i am not familier with this is it a new feature in 11.31

[Victor Fridyev]

Hi,

It looks like you have a wrong record in /etc/passwd or /etc/group files.
Run vipw and try to save the file after a small change. Vipw tests passwd file integrity.

HTH

[Duncan Edmonstone · Accepted solution]

Sorry Victor, this is nothing to do with /etc/passwd . it indicates that the userdbck command found a problem in the files under /var/adm/userdb

You can see what problems it might have found by looking at the relevant section of /etc/rc.log for when /sbin/rc2.d/S225userdb was executed

You can see if there is still a problem by running:

userdbck
echo $?

If you are seeing a return code of 0 then userdbck fixed the userdb and you no llonger have a problem.

HTH

Duncan

[Andrew medhurst1]

thanks for the answer.
tried userdbck and get following back#
userdbck not allowedx on a trusted system
is this user database a new feature.
regards
andrew

[Andrew medhurst1]

found problem old type of trusting so tsconvert -r and them pwconv to create shadow password file BUT and its a good one, root password has expired and it will not let me on or change the password, any ideas on this or is a reboot to single user the only way.
regards
andrew

[Andrew medhurst1]

all resolved had to put into single user mode and change.
done this and all ok