Update your primary login details.
Update your primary login details.
he isn't using software for profit and I don't believe someone is planning to provide a special backdoor for the root account, so I feel okay. you might want to try it to check if it helps, but if the root account is already enabled and has a password set, this approach likely won't work.
There’s no real security if the hard drive isn’t encrypted—physical access means anything can be taken. A fresh install is a safer choice, leaving behind any remnants of the old user. You might still find hidden malware or rootkits left behind. EDIT: If the machine uses a bootloader like GRUB and you can reach the kernel settings (not turned off), it’s simple to start a single-user root session without needing the password.
Just reinstalling the operating system ensures you're certain it hasn't been altered.
You can't break an existing password because it's stored as a hash, but you can simply update it. You'll need a Linux live USB. Use the command lsblk to locate your Ubuntu disk, then mount it with mount /dev/sdaX /mnt. Enter chroot into that directory and run passwd root. If you wish to change a password for a particular user, type passwd *user* and enter their password. This process isn't about hacking—it's similar to updating your own password on a computer when you have physical access. It's also possible to do this on Windows.
Your friend purchased it at a garage sale, and you acquired it after he struggled with the Ubuntu setup. You're facing significant challenges getting it working properly.