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? -- James. http://www.jamesbensley.co.cc/ There are 10 kinds of people in the world; Those who understand Vigesimal, and J others...?