Ubuntu
shadow package

my computer keeps asking for a password, i never set one

Asked by Eric L. Zeigher

I set up ubuntu on my sisters computer and didn't (Or don't remember) set a password...HELP!

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Ubuntu shadow Edit question
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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

There is one which you use to login with.

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Eric L. Zeigher (zeegrr-3) said : 		#2

I don't know. I'm so screwed.

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Eric L. Zeigher (zeegrr-3) said : 		#3

I set so you don't need one to open for user

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Eric L. Zeigher (zeegrr-3) said : 		#4

and "admin" isn't working.

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Thomas Krüger (thkrueger) said : 		#5

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LostPassword

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#6

You NEED a password, the link Thomas gave will allow you to set one in root recovery mode. You can then run admin tasks and suchlike. You are not screwed in any way.

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Warren Hill (warren-hill) said : 		#7

When you first install Ubuntu it asks for a user name and password. If it will allow you to create a blank password for this user then arguably that is a bug in Ubuntu and if it can be confirmed needs reporting as such.

The password is essential for the Linux security model to allow new software to be installed and for updates etc.

You must set a password for your main user. Personally I set passwords for all users even those without sudo privileges though you could argue that users without such privileges can't do anything so don't need passwords.

You wont be able to guess the password but it can be reset easily. Go to the link below as suggested by Thomas ake

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LostPassword

Follow the instructions and set a password. Make sure its one you will remember because you will be asked for it when you need to make changes. Also try and pick something that others wont guess easily.

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