Can some one explain to me how to disable the Shadow file or disconnect it from the passwd file. I am trying to configure a UNIX SCO box to use NIS and it continues to look at its own Shadow file. Thanks

You didn't mention the SCO version but maybe this
link will help...
http://osr5doc.ca.caldera.com:457/Ne...sD.passwd.html

The version of SCO that I am running is Open Server 5.0.6 I have the specific files mentioned in your link configured correctly, but my Informix Dynamic Server is not using them for it's logins. The IDS server only allows local users to login. When I rename or remove the Shadow file it allows the users to login. So, I would like to disconnect the passwd file from the Shadow file. Thanks

Thanks for your help rwb1959! I have found the info. on the utilities to manage the passwd and shadow files. The utilities are /etc/pwconv & /etc/pwunconv. The pwunconv program disconnects the shadow file from the passwd file and transfers any info. back into the passwd and to the password protected database. The pwconv manages the shadow file from the password protected database and the passwd file.

more info:

http://osr5doc.ca.caldera.com:457/cg...man?pwconv+ADM

is this possible in solaris???

Yes, you can stop using the /etc/shadow file but it is NOT advisable - it was created because folks once found that they could grab the /etc/passwd file and run password crackers against it. Harder to do with /etc/shadow IF the permissions are set correctly. You can't set /etc/passwd to the same permissions since then no one could read it on login.

Check the man page for pwconv. I have not seen pwunconv on Solaris. To remove the use of /etc/shadow, you would have to do it manually.