Bought used Ubuntu laptop, can't change password to access account

Question

I recently purchased a used ubuntu 14.04 laptop. The previous owner didn't scrub their account and I want to reset the computer to set up my own account. I can't do this feature from the guest session, so I'm trying to reset the account password.

I followed the tutorial here and here (they're pretty much the same thing). Whenever I continue with normal resume, I enter my new password but it keeps returning to the login screen.

Is there something I'm doing wrong? Is there a better way to reset the account and set up my own? What are my options?

@xangua That would imply having to re-install a multitude of applications all over again, something I'd like to avoid — Dmytro Malaniouk, Jan 06 '15 at 03:13
possible duplicate of How do I reset a lost administrative password? — muru, Jan 06 '15 at 04:12

score 0 · Answer 1 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:24

0

Could either...

boot into single user mode (use boot / grub option single) or
boot into recovery mode (hold shift while booting, choose "root sell" - same as single user mode?)

Then change that user's password (as root) with passwd user

Or use live recovery

Boot a live iso / cd / dvd / usb
mount your / partition (to /mnt for example)
sudo chroot /mnt
passwd user

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:24

Community

1

answered Jan 06 '15 at 04:08

Xen2050

8,705

Bought used Ubuntu laptop, can't change password to access account

1 Answers1

Or use live recovery