Arch Linux

hofodomo

Member

Registered: 2008-09-28

Posts: 2

su password issues

I'm having an issue accessing various things as root.  In order to clarify my problem, Im going to give a more detailed overview:

The Archlinux install process
Throughout this process, I set up two passwords--both a UNIX password, and I also created my default user password.  Both passwords I set to be the same 12-character password.

Pre-desktop environment process
Before I installed GNOME, after booting into Arch you get the "[hostname] login: " screen (you know what I'm talking about...)
-In this step, I can login using my user name and password: no problems.
-I can also login using "root": no password is needed, no problem.

However, while I was configuring my system using the beginner wiki, there would be times where logged in as a non-root user, I would be instructed to switch back to root by typing "su - ".  This is where the problem begins.  After attemping to switch to root, it asks me for a password.  However, I am denied access.  I also cannot switch to root by inputting no password.  The only way I can access root is logging out of my default user account.

Post-desktop environment process
After configuring GNOME, I can do most things fine as default user.  However, while trying to access the application "Root Terminal", I am again denied access.  I've tried putting in no password as well, but still no good.

Any ideas as to what is wrong?
Thanks.

Side note: since I am not very familiar with Archlinux, I would appreciate help being given as specifically as possible.  So, instead of saying "run the sudo command", say "open terminal first, and then type 'sudo' followed by 'blah blah blah'", and instead of saying "modify user permissions", say, "open terminal first, and type 'this this this'".  I appreciate your help.

manx

Member

From: Staffordshire, England

Registered: 2008-09-27

Posts: 35

Re: su password issues

Taking that you have installed SUDO...

Open up and edit (as root) your /ETC/SUDOERS file

Under the section # User privilege specification
add
YOURUSERNAME  ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

HTH

moljac024

Member

From: Serbia

Registered: 2008-01-29

Posts: 2,676

Re: su password issues

Taking that you have installed SUDO...

Open up and edit (as root) your /ETC/SUDOERS file

Under the section # User privilege specification
add
YOURUSERNAME  ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

HTH

I would recommend you not do that.
Instead, you should figure out why su isn't working for you. What shell are you using ?

---

The day Microsoft makes a product that doesn't suck, is the day they make a vacuum cleaner.
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But if they tell you that I've lost my mind, maybe it's not gone just a little hard to find...

synthead

Member

Registered: 2006-05-09

Posts: 1,337

Re: su password issues

It really sounds like you made a typo twice when entering your password or something because I see no reason why it wouldn't work.  Try sloshing your fingers around a bit, turn caps lock on, num lock on, etc.

Otherwise ... http://www.linuxforums.org/security/how … sword.html

scrllock

Member

From: Michigan, USA

Registered: 2008-06-04

Posts: 19

Re: su password issues

If you can login directly as root, but cannot su, then you need to add your user to the 'wheel' group. Edit /etc/group and add your user at the end of the wheel line.