(solved) ZenMini won't accept password

[daveysprocketbrew]

For the past couple of days, my machine won't accept my password.  The system starts, since I have autologon enabled, but I can't get into Synaptic or even switch to root.  It says "invalid password".  I know I am typing it correctly and I don't have num lock or caps lock on.  Any ideas?

[pags]

Can you log out, and log back in, directly into root?

[daveysprocketbrew]

I'm afraid to.  What if I can't get back in?  I've tried SU in terminal bit it says invalid password also.

[retired]

This is a tricky issue as it raises the possibility of someone trying to defeat the purpose of the root password, not that you're trying to do that, but you never know.  If you can't get in, you just may have to reinstall. A minor annoyance if you have a home partition.

[AndrzejL]

Hi daveysprocketbrew

My first idea is - try the same password with Caps Lock on...

If that wont work then the other thing You can do:

In grub just before system boots You choose the kernel version to boot into. I think F2 or F3 allows You to modify the Default boot values. Add 1 at the end of the line. Just number 1. Nothing else. Press enter. You will be booted to the single user mode. From here type in

passwd root [ENTER]

Type in new password [ENTER]

Repeat new password [ENTER]

You should see info about successful change of the root's password.

Now type in

passwd yourusername* [ENTER]

New password [ENTER]

Repeat New password [ENTER]

Again password change should be successful but this time for the user.

Now type in reboot [ENTER]

This will reboot You. This time boot up without adding extra options in the grub entry.

You should be able to log in with new passwords to any of the accounts.

Its an old trick from an old book. Use it wisely and it will help You solve Your problem.

Andy

* Yourusername should be replaced with Your actual login.

[daveysprocketbrew]

Thanks Andy.  I will try that and post back.  It's a good thing you know old tricks from old books!  Any idea what might have happened?

[AndrzejL]

Corruption of the /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow file maybe...
Maybe You left somebody unintended and he changed Your passwords using the old school trick...
Or maybe somebody PWNED Your machine... Doubt that but its a maybe...

I don't know dude.

Try to fix it and let us know.

Andy

[pags]

I'm afraid to.  What if I can't get back in?  I've tried SU in terminal bit it says invalid password also.

With autologin enabled, you would just need to reboot to get back in...

Hi daveysprocketbrew

My first idea is - try the same password with Caps Lock on...

If that wont work then the other thing You can do:

In grub just before system boots You choose the kernel version to boot into. I think F2 or F3 allows You to modify the Default boot values. Add 1 at the end of the line. Just number 1. Nothing else. Press enter. You will be booted to the single user mode. From here type in

passwd root [ENTER]

Type in new password [ENTER]

Repeat new password [ENTER]

You should see info about successful change of the root's password.

Now type in

passwd yourusername* [ENTER]

New password [ENTER]

Repeat New password [ENTER]

Again password change should be successful but this time for the user.

Now type in reboot [ENTER]

This will reboot You. This time boot up without adding extra options in the grub entry.

You should be able to log in with new passwords to any of the accounts.

Its an old trick from an old book. Use it wisely and it will help You solve Your problem.

Andy

* Yourusername should be replaced with Your actual login.

Andy's got a good suggestion, here...but you may want to hold off on changing the user's password (as the autologin is using your current one successfully), until you're comfortable you can su into root (you can do this all off-line, if your concerned about potential compromise).

[daveysprocketbrew]

well, I finally got back to this and after trying everything, Andy's suggestion worked like a charm.  I'm back in business.  thanks, Andy!!

[AndrzejL]

Glad You're sorted Dude.

Andy