How to Retrieve a Lost RedHat Root Password
Linux distributions, especially RedHat, make it very easy to recover passwords for root access. This is deliberately done as multiple ways already exist to hack into a system to recover passwords. For example, you can use boot disks to create parallel operating systems on the same computer, which can allow you to hack into your own computer and recover passwords. Also software similar to that used by malicious hackers exists openly on the Internet, which can extract passwords by force. However, it's best to use a method that requires no downloads or new boot drives to circumvent the security protocols, as it is less likely than other methods to damage data since it does not force itself on the system or overwrite part of the hard drive to create a new partition and operating system.
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Instructions
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Recovering Your Password
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1
Power on the system that you need the root password for.
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2
Wait for the screen that lists your current kernels to appear. Select which kernel you wish to boot---normally the topmost one---and press "e."
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3
Move the cursor down to the line of text that begins with "kernel" and move the cursor all the way to the end of the line. Type a space after the last character and type "1" (without quotes).
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4
Press "Enter" to return to the boot screen. Press "b" on the kernel you selected previously, and then type "passwd," which will allow you to change the root password. Then type "exit" and the system will reboot normally.
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References
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