[NTLUG:Discuss] root password in Knoppix

[Robert Citek]

On Jul 22, 2005, at 10:15 AM, Patrick R. Michaud wrote:
> '*' indicates the account is locked -- i.e., no password the
> user might enter will match it (because nothing encrypts to '*').
>
> Having an empty password field ('::') is the same as saying "no  
> password
> required" -- i.e., the user isn't prompted for a password, or if  
> prompted
> then a blank password is accepted.

True for most linux distros.  However, Knoppix does something  
different.  I tried emptying the password field, but was still  
refused using a blank password.  I assume something is being  
configured in PAM, but haven't had the time or the desire to explore  
it further.

If you blank out the password field in /etc/shadow, are you prompted  
for a password?

Regards,
- Robert
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