unable to change root password

[IEM - network operating center]

Tony wrote:

> Only problem is now I can't change the password for
> root.
> [root ~]# passwd root
> Changing password for user root.
> New UNIX password: 
> Retype new UNIX password: 
> passwd: Authentication failure
> [root ~]# 
> 
> No problems logging in as root or su'ing to root.
> Never had any issues like this before . 
> I also can't change the password for any other user:
> 
...

just a wild guess: probably the (write)-permissions for /etc/shadow and
the like have been set to something unusual? (or whatever backend you
are using for passwords)

and of course you should have a look in auth.log to see anything unusual.


mf.asdr.
IOhannes