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How to reset root password in UNIX FreeBSD

i have just taken over from another tech and have been presented with an old FreeBSD server box to which they don't have the root password.

Once the server boots up I am presented with some gibberish copyright and security wording, afterwhich there is a prompt to type in my username.

I type root, then I am asked for the password.

I have tried to boot into recovery mode, however I still get asked to authenticate before I can do anything.

How can i resolve this?

SOLUTION

abbright

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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

arnold

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sbayrak

Start your FreeBSD server.
Press key 4 when “FreeBSD boot menu” is presented.

Next you will see the following prompt;

Enter full pathname of shell or RETURN for /bin/sh:
Press enter and you will be dropped into single-user mode without a question.

Now you have to mount all filesystems listed in /etc/fstab;

# mount -a
Set a new root password by issuing passwd command;

# passwd
Changing local password for root
New Password:
Retype New Password:
There is no need to reboot your system. The exit command will make the system immediately return to multi-user mode;

# exit

- See my article for more: http://www.ipsure.com/blog/2011/securing-freebsd-console-how-to-reset-and-recover-lost-root-password/