Recovering the root Password in AIX 4.x

Contents

This document assumes that you have the key to your machine. The information in this document applies to AIX Versions 4.x.

NOTE: If your system does not have a key or if you need additional detail about booting your system into Maintenance mode and starting a limited function maintenance shell, consult the product documentation or contact your AIX support center.

Related documentation

1. If the system has a Service/Normal key, turn it to the Service position.

2. With bootable media as the same version and level as the system, boot the system. The bootable media can be any ONE of the following:

   • Bootable CD-ROM
   • NON_AUTOINSTALL mksysb
   • Bootable Install Tape

   Follow the prompts to the Welcome to Base OS menu.

3. Choose Start Maintenance Mode for System Recovery (Option 3). The next screen displays prompts for the Maintenance Menu. Choose option 1:

      Access a Root Volume Group
   

   The next screen prints a warning message and asks you to select 0 to continue. Select 0.

      0 Continue
   

   The next screen asks you to select the proper volume group. Select the proper volume group for your machine.

   The console will display information about rootvg and a menu with two options. Choose option 1:

      Access this volume group and start a shell
   

   NOTE: You can also accomplish step 3 by booting into Service Mode from a Sysback Systape.

   1. Choose Option 4 Utilities.
   2. Import the rootvg.
   3. Select hdisk.
   4. Import rootvg and mount the filesystems.
   5. When prompted with Rebuild the Boot LV? Choose No.
   6. You should now see the # prompt.
   7. Enter df. This will show that the root filesystems are mounted.

   If you receive errors from the preceding options, do not continue with the rest of this procedure. First correct the problem. If you need assistance correcting the problem, contact one of the following:

   • local branch office
   • your point of sale
   • your AIX support center

4. Run the passwd command from the command prompt:

   passwd
   Changing password for "root"
   root's New password:
   Enter the new password again:

5. With the key in Normal position (if applicable), issue the reboot command:

   sync;sync;sync;reboot

[ Doc Ref: 90605208914742     Publish Date: Oct. 19, 2000     4FAX Ref: none ]