UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi All,

I need to change the comment field in /etc/passwd file for one userid in my RHEL linux m/cs. I tried to open the file in vi editor and changed the comment, but next day it's getting reverted back again. :-(

mitchell:x:1000:900:Jon Mitchell User:/home/mitchell:/bin/bash

I need to change the comment field: "Jon Mitchell User"

Thanks,
Naresh

That sort of behaviour normally happens when you have a master file somewhere on you network that synchronizes all slave boxes (overwrites) but also if someone asked a restoration...

I agree with vbe. Sounds like a slave machine.

Some general advice not relevant to this post:
You should avoid using "vi" directly on the password file becase it does not maintain the password file lock or the password cache. Ensure that the user is not logged in and use "usermod" instead. As a last resort use "vipw" (a special version if "vi") if you really must edit the password file directly. Always copy the password file before any manual edits.