login question

[low_life]

I purchased a used laptop recently, did not know it had linux on it,any way it has linux 2.4.31. My problem is that I do not know the user name or password on this computer. after booting the computer asks for a laptop login and password.
Is there anyway I can reset this so I can actually use this computer or am I out of luck?
Thanks for anyones help or advice.

Scott

[devils casper]

do you have installation DVD/CDs of Linux? check this link !





casper

[Javasnob]

You could use a LiveCD to mount the partition with /etc on it, and erase the password field in /etc/passwd.

[hazel]

Or you could boot into level 1 (single-user mode) rather than the default level, and - carefully! - delete the root password from the /etc/passwd file. That will enable you to log in as root without giving a password. Reboot, log in, set a new root password, create a user account for yourself and you're away. This method has the advantage of not requiring a Linux CD. I used it successfully when I had the same problem and knew no more about Linux than you do now.

[low_life]

I do not have a cd, just the computer. How do I boot into level 1?
Thanks for everyones patience, I know nil about linux!

[hazel]

How you choose your run level depends on which bootloader your system uses. Most modern distros use GRUB, older ones use LILO (which is the one I know). What do you see on your screen immediately after the BIOS messages, before Linux itself starts loading?

[aalinuxx]

For GRUB, to enter single-user mode you press the "A" key for append mode, and then add " single" to the end of the line

[low_life]

Hazel, after the bios there is lilo 22.5.9 boot menu at the top of the screen.
Below that it shows linux

[hazel]

I assume what you're describing is the graphical form of LILO. Am I right? If so, you should be able to get a boot prompt at the bottom of your screen by pressing control-X. Then type linux 1 (i.e. the number 1)<return>. This should get you into single user mode.

Now you have the same powers as if you had logged in as root. I am attaching a list of the commands to use next (with explanations) because I don't want this post to be too long. If that isn't correct ettiqette, I hope the more experienced folk on this thread will forgive me.