0

I've checked the question archive and can't find an exact answer to the following. I have just installed Ubuntu on a new PC.

While I'm fairly proficient in lumbering about in MSs operating console, obviously the Unix environment is quite different.

I need to run a command but when I su - to the root I am prompted for the password for permission to do so. This is the odd bit. When i enter the correct log on password it is rejected and I am returned to the same prompt from where I entered the su etc from. This is despite the password being the one that SUCCESSFULLY authorizes other system changes (such as installing new software like a virus checker etc). I can't get my head around this. It's the same password I created when setting up the system and, as advised, it allows root access in other ways, just not through the su - command.

Anyone help?

I have another question about mounting a volume but I won't ask that until I get this right as I will need to get to root to issue the command I suspect is needed to get this other matter sorted. Thanks in advance.

Peter

P.Ubuntu
  • 1

1 Answers1

1

Since root login is not possible by default because of security concerns you can do

sudo su

or

sudo -i

in terminal(ctrl+alt+t). Which then asks for your user password. This will be accepted because youre in the proper group called sudoers.

Typing

exit

will bring you back to your normal user.

Videonauth
  • 33,355
  • 17
  • 105
  • 120