[SOLVED] Issues using the mount command: No root privileges

[DextrousDave]

Hi All

I just installed Linux, and I want to mount a Windows share onto Linux. But when I use the mount command, Terminal tells me:
mount: Only root can do that.

Now I tried switching to root by typing: su -
It then asks me for a password. I typed in the only password I have used for linux and that is my user account password, it tells me authentication fails.

How can I get into root/get root privileges to use the mount command?

Thank you

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

Which Linux distro are you using? Have you tried sudo to gain root privileges?

[DextrousDave]

Hi. Thank you. I am using Ubuntu 12.10 - the latest one.
Do you mean I should run the command: sudo su -?

[devils casper]

su is not enabled by default in Ubuntu and you have to use sudo to gain root privileges.
e.g.

sudo fdisk -l

Check this sticky on sudo.

[velikij]

If you want a root password on Ubuntu, try this

$ sudo su - that makes you root
[sudo] password for user:
# passwd then set your root password

[jayd512]

Since the root account is not enabled in Ubuntu, you can simply put sudo in front of any command that requires admin privileges.
Example:

sudo mount /dev/sda5 /mnt/windows
<enter your password>

[DextrousDave]

Thank you everyone, appreciate. Got it working by using sudo...

[devils casper]

Glad to help you ! Do start a new thread if you have any other question.