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K73551536: Recover the root password on BIG-IP platforms Published Date: Oct 5, 2020 Updated Date: Feb 21, 2023

Applies to:
(BIG-IP 11.x - 14.0)

Description
You want to recover root password on BIG-IP platforms.
Environment
BIG-IP 11.x through 14.0

Cause
Forgotten root password

Recommended Actions
Note: If you want to reset a lost or forgotten root password on BIG-IP 14.1.0 and later, refer to the following articles:

K35811337: Recover the root password on non-RAID BIG-IP platforms (BIG-IP 14.1.0 and later)
K23220345: Recover the root password on RAID-capable BIG-IP platforms (BIG-IP 14.1.0 and later)

Impact of procedure: This procedure requires that you restart the BIG-IP system in single-user mode. While in this mode, the device is unable to process traffic.

1. Start the system in single-user mode.

Note: Access to the command prompt of the device may take 5 to 10 minutes of boot time, depending on the device type.

For platform-specific instructions and the GRUB version of your platform, refer to one of the following articles:

Note: For information about determining the GRUB version, refer to K14658: Determining the GRUB bootloader version on the BIG-IP, BIG-IQ, or Enterprise Manager system.

For platforms using GRUB2, refer to K14662: Restarting the BIG-IP system in single-user mode (GRUB2)
For platforms using GRUB 0.97, refer to K4178: Restarting the BIG-IP system in single-user mode (GRUB 0.97)
For Virtual Clustered Multiprocessing (vCMP) guests, refer to <K14581: Resetting a lost or forgotten administrative account password on a vCMP guest
Note: Some attempts at booting to single-user mode result in a forced FSCK and asking for the password. K14662 states that you can skip the file system check by appending the words single
fastboot instead of single.
a. Enter the following commands:
mount -a

passwd root
 b. When prompted, enter a new password.
c. Enter exit or reboot to return to the normal operating mode.

After the system restarts, you should be able to log in using the new password.

Additional Information
None

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