How to Reset Forgotten Root Password in RHEL 8
Abstract: you will learn how to reset a forgotten root password on RHEL 8 server. Resetting the root password usually involves a few steps that will help you to
In this guide, you will learn how to reset a forgotten root password on RHEL 8 server. Resetting the root password usually involves a few steps that will help you to reset the root password and you will thereafter be able to log in using the new root password.
Related Read: How to Reset Forgotten Root Password in CentOS 8
So let’s dive in..
Reset Forgotten root Password in RHEL 8First, boot into your RHEL 8 system and select the kernel you wish to boot into. Next, interrupt the booting process by pressing ‘e’ on your keyboard.
RHEL 8 Boot MenuOn the next screen, locate that begins with kernel=
and append the parameter rd.break
and press Ctrl + x
.
On the next screen, ensure that you remount the sysroot directory with read and write permissions. By default, it is mounted with read-only access rights indicated as ro
.
You can confirm this by running the command:
:/# mount | grep sysrootConfirm Sysroot Directory Permissions
Now remount the directory with read and write access.
:/# mount -o remount,rw /sysroot/
Once again, confirm the access rights. Note that this time, the access rights have changed from ro
(read-only) to rw
(read and write).
:/# mount | grep sysrootConfirm Directory Permissions
Next, run the command shown to mount the root file system in read and write mode.
:/# chroot /sysroot
Next, use the passwd command to reset the password. As usual, provide a new password and confirm it.
# passwdReset Root Password
At this moment you have successfully reset your password. The only part remaining is to enable file system relabelling. To do this execute:
:/# touch /.autorelabelEnable File System Relabelling
Finally, type exit and then log out to begin the relabelling process.
SELinux Relabelling ProcessThis usually takes a couple of minutes and once done, the system will reboot upon which you can log in as the root user with the new password.
Reboot RHEL SystemAnd that’s how you would reset a forgotten root password in RHEL 8.