reset-linux-root-password-via-grub

name	Reset-Linux-Root-Password-via-Grub
description	This skill describes how to reset a forgotten Linux root password by booting into single-user mode through the Grub menu.
license	MIT
compatibility	Requires bash
metadata	{"author":"your-name","version":"1.0"}
triggers	["reset-root-password","grub-reset"]

Skill Content

How to Reset the Linux Root Password (if you don't have access to the current root password)

1. Restart your Linux computer.
2. Press E at the Grub menu: The Grub menu appears right after you turn on the computer. In most cases, it only stays on the screen for a few moments.
   • If you don’t press E before the Grub menu disappears, reboot and try again.
   • This method works for most popular Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS 7, Debian). If you’re not able to get to single-user mode with this method, check your distribution’s website for instructions specific to your system.
3. Scroll to the line that begins with linux /boot: Use the ↑ and ↓ keys to do so. This is the line you will need to modify in order to boot into single-user mode.
   • In CentOS and some other distributions, the line may begin with linux16 rather than linux.
4. Move the cursor to the end of the line: Use the →, ←, ↑, and ↓ keys to place the cursor right after ro.
5. Type init=/bin/bash after ro: The end of the line should now look like this: ro init=/bin/bash. Note the space between ro and init=/bin/bash.
6. Press Ctrl+X: This tells the system to boot directly to a root-level command prompt in single-user mode.
7. Type mount –o remount,rw / at the prompt: Press ↵ Enter. This mounts the file system in read-write mode.
8. Type passwd at the prompt: Press ↵ Enter. Since booting into single-user mode gives you root access, there is no need to pass additional parameters to the passwd command.
9. Type a new root password: Press ↵ Enter. The characters you type will not be displayed on the screen. This is normal.
10. Retype the new password: Press ↵ Enter. When the system confirms you’ve re-entered the same password, you will see a message that reads “password updated successfully.”
11. Type reboot –f: Press ↵ Enter. This command reboots the system normally.