Can't log in on Ubuntu?

Question

I can't log in on my Ubuntu system. None of my user names are working; it's as if the entire password file has been deleted. Is there anything I can do other than reinstall?

Answer 1

If you have your install disk, you should be able to start a manual install, skip all the steps until you get to one that allowes you to open a shell. in the command shell make a directory, (it usually does this in memory) and mount your root filesystem to this directory you should them be able to access the password and shadow files, and edit them directly. if the passwd file as a * in the password field, you need to edit the shadow file if is has a bunch of gobbledegook in the field, remove the junk. save the files then shut down, remove the insall disk and resstart the system. when you login, it should ask you for a new password. give it a new password twice, and it should reset your password.

Answer 2

Can you log in as root without the gui interface ?

If so then you should be able to add either a new password or a new user and password.

Answer 3

If you installed / to a separate partition, just reinstall. Nothing but Linux itself will be changed. (If you didn't separate the system from the rest of the installation, now is the perfect time to correct that little oversight.)