On 16/02/11 15:16, James Bensley wrote: >> 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? > This is normal behaviour. root can su to which ever user without being asked for any password by default. kind regards, David Sommerseth