How to recover root password in Linux
In the world of Linux, the root password is a crucial element for system security and administration. However, there may come a time when you forget or lose the root password, making it impossible to access certain system functionalities. In this article, we will discuss various methods to recover the root password in Linux.
Method 1: Using Single User Mode
One of the simplest ways to recover the root password is by booting into Single User Mode. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Restart your Linux system and continuously press the F2, F3, or F4 key (depending on your distribution) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings.
2. Navigate to the Boot menu and change the boot order to prioritize the hard drive or USB drive containing your Linux installation.
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
4. When the system boots, press the appropriate key (usually ‘e’ or ‘Edit Boot Options’) to enter the GRUB menu.
5. Locate the line starting with ‘linux16’ and add ‘init=/sysroot/bin/sh’ at the end of the line. This will drop you into a shell with root privileges.
6. Now, you can use the ‘passwd’ command to reset the root password:
“`bash
passwd root
“`
7. Enter the new password twice and press Enter. The root password is now recovered.
Method 2: Using the GRUB Password Menu
Another method to recover the root password is by accessing the GRUB password menu. Here’s how to do it:
1. Restart your Linux system and press the appropriate key (usually ‘e’ or ‘Edit Boot Options’) to enter the GRUB menu.
2. Find the line starting with ‘linux16’ and add ‘rw init=/sysroot/bin/sh’ at the end of the line.
3. Press ‘Ctrl+x’ to boot the system with the modified settings.
4. Now, you can use the ‘passwd’ command to reset the root password:
“`bash
passwd root
“`
5. Enter the new password twice and press Enter. The root password is now recovered.
Method 3: Using the GRUB Command Line
If you are familiar with the GRUB command line, you can use it to recover the root password. Here’s how:
1. Restart your Linux system and press the appropriate key (usually ‘e’ or ‘Edit Boot Options’) to enter the GRUB menu.
2. Find the line starting with ‘linux16’ and press ‘e’ to edit it.
3. Move the cursor to the end of the line and add ‘init=/sysroot/bin/sh’ at the end.
4. Press ‘Ctrl+x’ to boot the system with the modified settings.
5. Now, you can use the ‘passwd’ command to reset the root password:
“`bash
passwd root
“`
6. Enter the new password twice and press Enter. The root password is now recovered.
Conclusion
Recovering the root password in Linux can be a challenging task, but with the right methods, it can be done efficiently. By using Single User Mode, the GRUB Password Menu, or the GRUB Command Line, you can regain access to your system and set a new root password. Always remember to keep a backup of your passwords to avoid such situations in the future.
