How to reset lost root password on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

I had to use one of my virtual machines that I didn’t use for a while today, and of course  I couldn’t remember the password I used for it, so I had to change it.

Here is how to reset a forgotten root password on Novell SUSE

This is a guide for Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP3.

On the boot menu select the first option “SUSE Linux enterprise server” and press ‘e’ for edit.

SLES boot menu
SLES boot menu

On the second menu select the kernel option and press ‘e’ for edit.

Select kernel line
Select kernel line

type init=/bin/bash (leave empty space at the begging), and press ‘Enter’ and then ‘b’ to boot with that option.

Add init=/bin/bash one the end of the line
Add init=/bin/bash one the end of the line

The system will boot with the root user logged on, type passwd to change the password and input your new password, or just press ‘Enter’ for no password (blank password)

Use passwd to change root password
Use passwd to change root password
Reboot the server and log on with your new password.

4 thoughts on “How to reset lost root password on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server”

  1. Hello, It is possible that your SLES do not support USB keyboard on single mode or USB packages are not loaded. Try PS2 keyboard. Thanks

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