UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I have started using SunOS 5.6 as an administrator. By mistake I changed the default shell entry for root in /etc/passwd file to /bin/ksh. Since there is no such shell available in the bin directory, I am not able to log on to the system.(This happens even in the console)

The error is - no shell.

Can anyone help me


Thanks

The fix is somewhat awkward but not very hard. Commands are bold and include the prompt for reference. From memory;

Put your Solaris 2.6 CD in and boot off the cd:
ok boot cdrom
You can get the ok prompt by pressing stop & a simultaneously

Go through the installer and answer all the questions (don't worry, we aren't installing/deleting anything). When you get near the end it will give you the option to EXIT (maybe CANCEL). Do this. Don't worry too much about answering any of the questions properly, just don't click FINISH. The last question asks if you want to auto-reboot or manual-reboot after installation. If you get this far go back. This will drop you on a root shell in the upper right corner. The mouse pointer must be in this window for you to type.
Depending on how your disk is partitioned you may need to mount /etc. Do this only if you cannot open /etc/passwd
# mount /etc
You may need to replace /etc with the device

Edit the password file and make sure the path is correct
# vi /etc/passwd

Bounce the system
# reboot

I hope this helps.
-Chuck

You could also mount the /bin directory (device) as root and copy a valid shell (ksh or other) to /bin/ksh. There are a couple of ways to fix this problem.