Ubuntu is an open-source operating system that is based on the Linux kernel. With its user-friendly interface and ease of installation, Ubuntu has gained immense popularity over the years. However, sometimes, users may forget their Ubuntu administrator password and may be unable to access their system. At this point, resetting the Ubuntu admin password becomes the need of the hour.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To reset the Ubuntu admin password, you will need a password reset disk, a Ubuntu installation CD or USB drive, and access to the BIOS setup utility on your computer.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before proceeding with the password reset process, it is important to note that all data on the disk will be lost. So, it is advisable to have a backup of your important files. Also, this guide is only for resetting the Ubuntu administrator password and not for resetting the user password.
Method 1: Using the Recovery Mode
1. Turn on your computer and press and hold the Shift key until the GRUB menu appears.
2. Select the Advanced options for Ubuntu and then select the recovery mode option.
3. Select the root option from the list of options and press Enter.
4. Once you are in the root shell prompt, enter the following command:
passwd username
Replace the ‘username’ with the actual username of your admin account.
5. Enter your new password and confirm it by re-entering it.
6. Reboot your computer and login using the new password.
Pros
– Easy to use
– No additional tools required
Cons
– Not effective in case of a forgotten username
Method 2: Using Ubuntu Installation CD/USB Drive
1. Insert the Ubuntu installation CD or USB drive into your computer and restart it.
2. Press F12 (or the key corresponding to your system) to enter the boot menu and select the CD/USB drive option.
3. Select the ‘Try Ubuntu without installing’ option from the installation screen.
4. Open the terminal by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+T keys simultaneously.
5. Enter the following command to mount the disk:
sudo fdisk -l
6. Identify the partition where Ubuntu is installed and then mount it:
sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt
Replace ‘X’ with the actual partition number.
7. Enter the following command to chroot into the mounted partition:
sudo chroot /mnt
8. Finally, run the command:
passwd username
Replace ‘username’ with the actual username of your admin account. Enter your new password and confirm it by re-entering it.
9. Reboot your computer and login using the new password.
Pros
– Effective in resetting both admin and user passwords
– No additional tools required
Cons
– Requires Ubuntu installation CD or USB drive
Method 3: Using the Grub Menu
1. Turn on your computer and press and hold the Shift key until the GRUB menu appears.
2. Select the first recovery mode option from the list of options.
3. Select the root option from the list of options and press Enter.
4. Once you are in the root shell prompt, enter the following command to remount the file system with read and write permissions:
mount -rw -o remount /
5. Enter the following command to list all the available accounts:
ls /home
6. Enter the following command to reset the password:
passwd username
Replace ‘username’ with the actual username of your admin account. Enter your new password and confirm it by re-entering it.
7. Reboot your computer and login using the new password.
Pros
– Doesn’t require additional tools
– Easy to use
Cons
– Not effective in case of a forgotten username
Why Can’t I Reset My Ubuntu Admin Password?
1. The password reset disk is not created correctly
– Fix: Create a new password reset disk
2. The password reset disk is corrupt
– Fix: Create a new password reset disk
3. The reset process is not done correctly
– Fix: Double-check the process and make sure all the steps are followed correctly
Suggestions
It is always a good practice to create a password reset disk beforehand to prevent any password-related issues. In addition, it is important to remember the password and keep it secure to avoid any such situations.
FAQs
Q: Can I reset the root password using these methods?
A: Yes, you can reset the root password using these methods.
Q: Will I lose my data while resetting my password?
A: Yes, all the data on the disk will be lost during reset. It is recommended to have a backup of your important files.
Q: Can I reset the user password using these methods?
A: No, these methods are only for resetting the admin password.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have access to the BIOS setup utility?
A: You can try using a bootable USB or CD drive to reset the password.
Q: Are there any command line tools to reset the Ubuntu admin password?
A: Yes, there are tools like chntpw and John the Ripper that can be used to reset the Ubuntu admin password using the command line. However, these tools are more advanced and require technical knowledge.
Conclusion
Resetting the Ubuntu admin password is quite easy and can be done using various methods. However, it is important to note that all data on the disk will be lost. It is always recommended to have a backup of your important files and remember to keep the password secure.