Unable to long into Linux/ Ubuntu after download?

Question

Recently I downloaded the newest version of Linux and after installing and restarting, it wouldn't accept the user and the password so I had to long into the guest account. But I need a root password or something to even gain internet connections. So I was wandering if there is anything I can do to fix this? Or if I could create a new account in guest and give it full access...sorry if I didn't explain it to anyone's understanding.
~thanks

Answer 1

The only way that can happen is if you installed a fresh copy by letting it format the system partition where / mounts. That would remove the /etc directory and replace it. So the /etc/passord and /etc/shadow files are now gone. Your only chance to fix this would be to boot from a live CD version and make a temporary mount of the / partition. You could then remove the root password. But read the documentation for the password and shadow files. The format is strict, get the edit wrong and it will never run again. Use man /etc/password and man /etc/shadow. You will need to do all that from a terminal window. You may find all your users folders are gone.

Answer 2

It is more difficult to access the root commands from a guest account. If you cannot use your own user name and password it would be easier to reinstall and note the exact user name and password that you entered during the install.

As the regular user you can prefix any command with sudo to access root. Check the instructions in this link:

http://askubuntu.com/questions/313177/how-can-i-get-root-access-after-i-installed-ubuntu-on-my-pc

Answer 3

You normally create a username and password when installing the linux distro. So the best thing you could do is to just reinstall the distro again. Try linux mint i've used it for a few months now, its simpler and easy to use.

Answer 4

just do a reinstall. write down the Username/Password on pen and paper and make sure you typing it in correctly.

Note that passwords are case sensitive.

Answer 5

There is a very simple and quick way to reset your password with the help of recovery mode option in the Grub menu.



http://rockingwithlinux.com/reset-your-password-ubuntu/