[jashmore]

I was just given a Microtel with a Linspire OS. It has not been used for a year because they forgot the user password. There a lot of files on the machine. If I can get into the machine and copy the files the machine is mine! Any ideas?

[arochester]

"Recovering your root login passwd on your linux box!" http://rcordeiro.wordpress.com/2007/...our-linux-box/

[jashmore]

Thanks for the link. However, I still have a problem. On bootup Linspire provides three choices:
Linspire -- which takes you to the windows like gui user login page
Redtect -- which lets you watch a long script go by and then the login page
Diagnostics -- which lets you watch a long script and then prompts you

Give root password for maintenance(or type control-D to continue):

I tried 'passwd' and others and then used control-D a which takes you to the user login page.

[arochester]

Linspire was a paid version of Linux, as different from Freespire. How about https://shop.linspire.com/loginform.php and "Forgot your password?"

Or is it one password to get into your computer and another for CNR?

[jashmore]

The previous owners say they never registered on line.

Linspire won't take questions until the weekend is over. I will call them Monday if I need to.

When I could get to a non-gui prompt, it asked for 'root password for maintenance' and I tried the common ones that I know. No luck. When I get to the gui prompt I am shown the user 'Amber' and asked for the password. No luck.

[arochester]

You could try booting with a LiveCD e.g. Knoppix. This might allow you to see and copy off the relevant files. Then you can install an alternative Linux

[jashmore]

That sounds like a great idea. I'll work on that.

Thanks.