Root password issues

[StillOnH81]

So I have an iMac G5 running Debian Linux. It's set up so that it automatically logs into the root account whenever powered on. The issue here is that I was given this machine by my Uncle a few years ago, before that he had it as a project machine. Both of us have now long forgotten the password. 

 

I want to reset the password, but I cant seem to find anything about GRUB, and the last time I tried I think I messed up the graphics. I was pressing a certain key and some green lines and spots appeared. Anyway, my main concern is the password. I have full access to the root account, but can't get into GRUB and don't have a second account or password.

Any ideas?

[Master Disaster]

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-reset-any-linux-password/

 

Basically burn a bootable Ubuntu Installation disc, boot from it, select Try Ubuntu then use Terminal to mount your HDD and change the password that way.

 

It shouldn't matter that your booting Ubuntu while running Debian.

[StillOnH81]

I have the original discs burned for this machine. Not sure if they work, or if I will need Ubuntu.

[Master Disaster]

2 minutes ago, StillOnH81 said:

I have the original discs burned for this machine. Not sure if they work, or if I will need Ubuntu.

Either Debian or Ubuntu would work but I don't think Debian allows live booting.

[StillOnH81]

I think there may be an Ubuntu one too. I'll check, but I'm not sure.

 

[StillOnH81]

The options I have on the Lubuntu CD are:

Install

Install-free

install-powerpc64

install-free-powerpc64

oem

oem-powerpc64

cli

cli-free

cli-powerpc64

rescue

rescue-powerpc64

 

[Fetzie]

33 minutes ago, StillOnH81 said:

So I have an iMac G5 running Debian Linux. It's set up so that it automatically logs into the root account whenever powered on. The issue here is that I was given this machine by my Uncle a few years ago, before that he had it as a project machine. Both of us have now long forgotten the password. 

 

I want to reset the password, but I cant seem to find anything about GRUB, and the last time I tried I think I messed up the graphics. I was pressing a certain key and some green lines and spots appeared. Anyway, my main concern is the password. I have full access to the root account, but can't get into GRUB and don't have a second account or password.

Any ideas?

Just boot to single-user mode and change the password with passwd ?

 

https://blog.sleeplessbeastie.eu/2014/05/01/how-to-access-single-user-mode-without-password/