How to Reset the Root Password on a Cloud Server¶

This page describes how to reset the root password of your server in the case that you forget it.

Gandi provides a ramdisk-rescue kernel to simplify the process of resetting your root password. You will need to complete these steps:

These steps are explained in more detail below.

Step 1: Change the Kernel ¶

Follow our directions for changing the boot system on a volume and choose ramdisk-rescue as your boot system.

Important

Make sure you note the original kernel used, since you will need to switch back after resetting your password.

Follow our directions for restarting your server.

When connected , create a /mnt/d folder in order to mount your disk:

# mkdir /mnt/d
# mount /dev/xvda1 /mnt/d

Now, prepare chroot:

# mount --bind /dev/ /mnt/d/dev
# mount --bind /dev/pts /mnt/d/dev/pts
# mount --bind /proc/ /mnt/d/proc
# mount --bind /sys/ /mnt/d/sys

Then, make chroot:

# chroot /mnt/d

Now, change the root password with the passwd command:

# passwd

Quit chroot environment and unmount these folders:

# exit
# umount -v /mnt/d/dev/pts
# umount -v /mnt/d/dev/
# umount -v /mnt/d/sys
# umount -v /mnt/d/proc
# umount -v /mnt/d/

You can now switch back to the original server kernel. Be sure to also do a stop and start of the server to be sure your changes take effect.