Phil Meyer wrote: > Gilbert Sebenste wrote: >> Hello all, >> >> I have a problem with one of my files and I don't know how to fix it. >> When I run system-config-users, it reads: >> >> "The user database cannot be read. This problem is most likely caused >> by a mismatch between /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow or /etc/group and >> /etc/gshadow. The program will exit now." >> >> How can I fix this? >> > > First of all, always run: vipw > to make manual edits of /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow. > Use vigr for group and gshadow. > > That way you will be less likely to have this problem. > > Now then, you are stuck with looking at /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow in > two windows and making sure that they line up. > > If they don't, use vipw to correct them. > > Very tedious work on large user bases, but do it anyway. > > Now do the same side by side comparison on group and gshadow. > > These files should line up perfectly. Its possible to be sloppy and > run, but I wouldn't recommend it. It pays to be neat and tidy. GUI > tools that expect such things can then run properly. :) > > Of course, some old dogs that seem to drag their feet into the real > world of GUI based Systems Admin, would run useradd, usermod, vipw, etc. > without even thinking about it. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to > even remember that there are such things! > > > Good luck! > If you don't like vi, you can set EDITOR to the editor you want to use before running vipw or vigp. (export EDITOR=mcedit) Mikkel -- Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with Ketchup!
