Issue with "usermod" changing password or adding groups...

[Chris Magargee_2]

Hello -

We are running in an 11.11 environment and when we try to change an password or add a group for a user when they are not actually logged onto the server, but they have processes running, "usermod" complains that the user is currently in use and does not make the change/additions. Is there a way to force "usermod" to perform these actions regardless if the user is logged on or has processes running?

We know we can hack the "tcb" DB file or run "passwd" and edit /etc/group on the target server, but we are trying to automate administrative tasks centrally and "usermod" (via remsh), seemed the way to go.

Thanks!
Chris

[Sridhar Bhaskarla]

Hi Chris,

If the user is already logged in (or have a process running), then altering the user can affect the processes except for the 'password'. But in general user is expected to change his/her password. So, that's why I assume why this behaviour has been applied for 'usermod' command.

I am not aware of any way to force the change using 'usermod' command. You already know the other way.

-Sri

[Uday_S_Ankolekar]

I doubt you can do a forceful usermod.
Safeway I guess is to stop the process initiated by the user and do the changes.

-USA..