How to change the root password

This document shows you how to change your password using the rescue system. If you try to use the usual passwd command to change your password, it will only change the password of the rescue system. Your modifications are reset after a reboot. We will show you how to access your real files to change your password.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Dedibox account logged into the console
• Created and installed a dedicated server

1. From the console, launch rescue mode.

2. Mount your partitions:

   sudo mountall.sh
   

   Note

   The mounted partitions are available in the directory /mnt. This means, you find the partition /dev/sda1 mounted in /mnt/sda1.

3. Chroot yourself into the root partition:

   sudo chroot /mnt/sda2
   

   Note

   • If you installed your server with the default partition layout, the root partition will be mounted on sda2.
   • If you configured custom partitioning, your root partition may be mounted elsewhere.

4. Use the following command to change the password:

   passwd
   

   You will be prompted two times to set the new password. While you are writing, nothing will appear on screen. This is a normal security measure.

   Tip

   If you want to reset the password of a user other than root, use the following command, replacing USERNAME with the relevant username. passwd USERNAME

5. Type exit when you have finished your modifications.

6. Type the following command to finish:

   sudo umountall.sh && sudo reboot
   

7. From the console, click Boot in normal mode to reboot the server.

   Your root password is now changed.