HD Install :: Loss of root password , and no boot now



Hi there,

After the loss of my root password , I tried to change the passwd file.
Unfortunately , nothing worked.

At this moment , I can boot , and I get a big amount of sorry!
After a ctrl C , I can access to a strange login , but sudo or su commands don't want to work.
I can change passwd file , but for writing what inside?
Is it the only reason why?

What can I do apart reinstall everything?

Thanks in advance
What kind of install do you have now?
One thing you can do is copy the messed-up file(s) from a liveCD or ISO.  If you have any additional users they may not work anymore, but at least your root and dsl accounts should be ok.
I have now the console with an undefined ID.
sudo isn't allowed.(sorry...go away)
I've nevertheless /etc/passwd ability to modify

Is there connection between the passwd file with something else?

I can copy - if I find it - the passwd file from live CD to HDD, but what about the root password?
Quote
passwd  contains  various  pieces  of information for each user account.  Included is

           Login name
           Optional encrypted password
           Numerical user ID
           Numerical group ID
           User name or comment field
           User home directory
           User command interpreter

Regular passwords are stored in /etc/shadow. The original file does not have a root password.
If you have made changes to any other vital files, please let us know.
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original here.