On 16 February 2011 13:00, ... wrote:
you realize that there are no passwords in /etc/passwd, so if you delete /etc/shadow and rebuild it using pwconv there will be no passwords in the new /etc/shadow... depending on the exact state, you either won't be able to log in, or the machine will be totally open.
Yes sorry I meant that the other way round :)
i'd suggest looking at the log files (/var/log/secure and .../messages), for indications of why you're having trouble logging in as the other user. you can also, in a terminal window from a "mere mortal" (not root) login, try:
su - <user>
as that may give you some feedback. something like having an invalid shell will cause what you're seeing.
As root, if I 'su - webdevuser' it doesn't prompt me for a password and drops me in as the user, presumably what is intended?