Resetting Root Password on a Linux Server When Forgotten

One of the essential tasks in maintaining a Linux server is managing passwords, especially the root password. However, there may be instances where you forget the root password, and regaining access becomes necessary. Here’s how you can reset the root password on a Linux server:

1. Reboot the server - Start by rebooting the Linux server.
2. Access GRUB menu - During the boot process, press 'e' when the GRUB menu appears.
3. Edit the boot parameters - Locate the line starting with 'linux' or 'kernel' and add 'init=/bin/bash' at the end of that line.
4. Boot into single-user mode - Press 'Ctrl + X' or 'F10' to boot into single-user mode.
5. Remount the filesystem - When you get the root shell prompt, remount the filesystem in read/write mode by running the command 'mount -o remount,rw /'.
6. Change the root password - Now, you can reset the root password by using the 'passwd' command.
7. Reboot the server - After changing the password, reboot the server by typing 'reboot'.
8. Access the server with the new password - You can now log in to the server using the new root password.

It is crucial to follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful root password reset on a Linux server. Remember to keep your passwords secure and have a backup plan in case you forget them.