Don’t remember your password to sign into Ubuntu anymore? Well, you’re in luck because this brief tutorial is going to show you how to use Ubuntu recovery mode to sign with limited system’s service and unlock your account, change your password and your username. It’s not everyday that we forget our passwords to sign into our machine, but when we do, it can be really annoying.
Instead of wasting time trying all your old passwords to sign in, it may be quicker if you just use the recovery mode and change it. You also don’t need to know your old password before changing it like you do in Windows systems. I personally think this is a huge security hole and I can’t understand why it was designed like that, but heck, at least you can change your password easily, right?
To get started, Start your Ubuntu computer and immediately press the Shift key. Or hold down the Shift key while you turn on your machine. When you see the Grub menu below, choose ‘Advanced options for Ubuntu’
Next, select the first recovery mode on the screen to continue.
Then choose to sign in to the root shell prompt.
Next, run the commands below to remount the root directory
mount -rw -o remount /
Finally, run the commands below to reset your password.
passwd username
Replace username with your account name and press Enter.
That’s it! You can now restart your computer and login with the new password you just created. If you don’t know your username, run the commands below to look into the passwd file and get it.
cat /etc/passwdIt may be the last line in the file beginning with your username.
To change your username, please read this post.
https://liberiangeek.net/2012/12/how-to-easily-change-your-username-in-ubuntu-12-10-quantal-quetzal/
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my password in Ubuntu 12.10 using recovery mode?
To reset your password in Ubuntu 12.10 using recovery mode, start your computer, press Shift to access the Grub menu, choose 'Advanced options for Ubuntu', select the first recovery mode, sign in to the root shell prompt, remount the root directory, and then reset your password using the command 'passwd username'.
What should I do if I forgot my Ubuntu username?
If you forgot your Ubuntu username, you can run the command 'cat /etc/passwd' in the root shell prompt to look into the passwd file and find your username, which may be the last line in the file beginning with your username.
Is it possible to change my username in Ubuntu 12.10 after resetting the password?
Yes, you can change your username in Ubuntu 12.10 by following specific steps. For detailed instructions on changing your username after resetting the password, refer to the article or official Ubuntu documentation.
Why do I need to use recovery mode to reset my Ubuntu password?
Recovery mode allows you to reset your Ubuntu password when you are locked out of your account. It provides a secure way to access the root shell prompt and make necessary changes to regain access to your system.
Can I reset my Ubuntu password without knowing the old password?
Yes, you can reset your Ubuntu password without knowing the old password. Ubuntu's recovery mode allows you to change the password without requiring the previous password, unlike some other operating systems.
What is the significance of remounting the root directory in Ubuntu password reset process?
Remounting the root directory in the Ubuntu password reset process is essential to ensure that the file system is writable. This step allows you to change the password successfully by granting write permissions to the root directory.
How can I enhance the security of my Ubuntu system after resetting the password?
To enhance the security of your Ubuntu system after resetting the password, consider enabling additional security features such as two-factor authentication, regularly updating your system, and using strong, unique passwords for your user accounts.
Are there any risks involved in resetting my Ubuntu password using recovery mode?
While resetting your Ubuntu password using recovery mode is generally safe, there is a risk of unintended system changes if commands are not executed correctly. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and ensure that you have a backup of important data before proceeding.
