Root password forgotten - can reset with OSX Install CD

So I forgot my root password ( from Terminal -> su - root). I was told that I can reset the root password by doing the following:

1) Boot using OSX Install CD
2) Click on "Utilities" and select "Reset Password".

Is this correct?

 

That's essentially it.

http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=3853

 

Thanks for the quick info, SP.

I read through the link and it said the following:

"Select the user account you wish to reset. Important: Do not select "System Administrator(root). This is a reference to the root user. Do not confuse it with a normal administrator account."

So it is saying that the Install CD Utilities can NOT change the root password, or I should NOT USE it to change the root password?

 

roots log in is disabled by default.

if you manually enabled root log in and forgot the root password, then reset it... the warning is for defaults where root is not enabled.

You really should not ever enable root... any admin can do all root functions.... on terminal use sudo

 

Correct, but I was having a hard time removing Epson Printer app that keep running in the background. Based on others who had the problem, unfortunately I had to use root to remove some .kext files (I don't know what .kext files are).

I will try to reset the root password using the Install CD method.

 

in the future... if you want root level access on the command line, just use sudo, not su... and your normal admin account password. no need to enable or use root.

like if you typed

Code:

rm -rf /usr/local/temp

and it said insufficient privileges... then type

Code:

sudo rm -rf /usr/local/temp

and it will ask for a password... type an admin account password and hit enter, and it'll take care of it all at a root level.

 

I've not come across a situation where I need root access yet. As doh123 points out, sudo should be able to tackle any such issues - even in situations when the Mac is fairly terminally crashed and you've just managed to coax Terminal into starting.

.kext files are essentially device drivers.

 

I have Dell XPS M1530 laptop and the person using it forgot the admin password. Can somebody help me to reset the password please

 

You would do best to post in the Dell and Windows OS forums. The Mac forum isn't going to be of much help.

 

short for Kernel Extensions, as Vogel said they are device drivers.

 

I think it really depends on what you are doing. I've spent countless hours with a terminal, and after a certain point, typing sudo every time you want to run a command will drive you nuts.

Root can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.