How to enable Ubuntu 9.10 root login?

Question

How can root login be enabled in Ubuntu 9.10?

Answer 1

If you already have the root user enabled and are trying to login at the gdm login screen, try checking the file /etc/gdm/custom.conf for the AllowRoot property. It needs to be set to true.

[security]
AllowRoot=true

You may have to add those lines to the file. Restart gdm and you should be able to login as the root user.

Also, there is a AllowRemoteRoot property if you are trying to login as root to the machine from another machine.

Answer 2

I really doubt that you need to do this. Just use gksudo anyprogram to run it as root.

And, if you really, really want to run a GUI as root, you can just do (in a text terminal - Alt-1 - Alt-6):

> sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop
> su - (if you already have enabled the root login)
# startx

I hardly see any reason to play with the gdm config, as what you are asking for should not be a regular situation, as whenever you need it, you can put the extra effort.

Answer 3

Set root password, it will be enabled. Run this in terminal,

passwd root

or add sudo if needed.

Answer 4

$ sudo su
# passwd

Will do the trick, but you shouldn't do it.

Answer 5

This will work

$ sudo -i
# passwd
Enter new UNIX password: 
Retype new UNIX password: 
passwd: password updated successfully

Enter password in the field and it will successfully change it.

Answer 6

If you want to go 'su' like in debian, you can 'sudo su'.

Answer 7

login as other in your ubuntu login screen with username "root" and password that you have set for root. once you logged in, go to system/administration/users and groups and delete your username that you have created while installing ubuntu 9.10. type this in your terminal "sudo reboot" then you was done.