[GLLUG] root passwd recovery AIX 3

[Caleb Cushing]

I don't think he has a tape backup, and since he has never had a password to
get in there is nothing on there that he needs to save.

On 3/15/06, Staff Staff <Staff at meridian.mi.us> wrote:
>
> Caleb:
>
> AIX 3 is a long time ago, but if my memory serves, you have a few
> options:
>
> As Andy & Erik pointed out, if you can get the installation media for
> *your version* of AIX, there is a procedure that you can follow from the
> boot of the 'OS Installation & System Maintenance' media that will allow
> for root password recovery.  IBM used to have an 'old AIX version' media
> service.  To be honest though... I would be surprised if it goes back to
> AIX 3.  At this point though... it's probably worth that toll free
> telephone call to see what they can do for you, and how much it will
> cost.  They would need at least an 'oslevel' to get you started to see
> if they can provide the media.
>
> Alternately, if you have a good system image tape/backup, you can boot
> from the system image tape and then edit the /etc/password file on the
> standard boot device to remove the current root password:
>
> vi /etc/passwd
>
> change the line:
>
> root:!:0:0 ...
>
> to read:
>
> root::0:0 ...
>
> If I recall correctly, all you have to do is remove the ! from
> in-between the two colon's right after the 'root' entry in the file.
> This will clear the password, and allow it to be reset as desired on
> your next normal boot.
>
> Without OS installation media for your version of AIX, or a good system
> image, I'm not sure if you have many options other than a fresh OS
> installation.
>
> Hmm... how is IBM's documentation on root password recovery in AIX ?
>
> Good luck!
>
> -stephen
>
> > On 3/15/06, Caleb Cushing <xenoterracide at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > anyone know how you would get the root password off an old AIX 3
> > machine? or alter it.
> >
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> >
> >
> >
> >
>
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