Red Hat Linux 6.2: The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide
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# Unable to Log In

## Q: Using `linux single`

Help! I can't remember my root password. How do I log in now?

## A: Use Single-User Mode

You can log in with single-user mode, in which you can create a new root password.

When you see the `boot:` prompt, type `linux single` to enter single-user mode. Some of the filesystems will be mounted, and you will find a `bash#` prompt when you've entered single-user mode (note that this prompt will look somewhat different than the prompt you're accustomed to).

Now, you can change root's password by typing

    bash# passwd root

You'll be asked to re-type the password for verification. Once you're finished, the password will be changed and you can reboot by typing shutdown -r now at the prompt; then you can log in to root as before.

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