1. Boot server/VM in BIOS mode and change Boot Mode to CD

2. Boot server/VM from Linux CD

3. Hit F5 to enter Rescue Mode.

4. Type: Linux Rescue (at prompt)

5. When asked to mount the filesystem to /mnt/sysimage – choose CONTINUE.

6. Type: cd /mnt/sysimage

7. To reset root password first type:

chroot /mnt/sysimage

8. Type: passwd

Now enter the new root password

9. Unmountt boot CD.

10. Type: “reboot” at system prompt.

11. System should boot normally.

If you need to remove the root password (last resort), type:

chroot /mnt/sysimage

12. Type: vi etc/shadow

13. Delete everything between the colons for root: (see example below)

Before:

root:$1$75ni7tCN$dyTG5e57vBxo7ywJTSvDa0:16029:0:99999:7:::

After:

root::16029:0:99999:7:::