MX Linux Forum

I have just done a re-install of 23.5 - 64 bit.

I noticed when i did the synaptic updates the root password did not work and used the user password instead to authenticate in synaptic. This didn't happen before so i am wondering what i have done wrong. On the install i definitely checked the box for root password and then entered it below.

jessejazza wrote: Tue Apr 08, 2025 3:55 am I noticed when i did the synaptic updates the root password did not work and used the user password instead to authenticate in synaptic. This didn't happen before so i am wondering what i have done wrong. On the install i definitely checked the box for root password and then entered it below.

sudo privilege escalation by default requires that the system verify if you have permissions to do the thing you're asking to do. So you prove you're you by entering your user password. I believe you can still toggle this feature and make it require the root password by editing a setting in MX Tweak.

Much appreciate your quick response. Pleased to say i have found it in MX Teak - other.

I tried the 32bit version when i thought my PC was not 64bit and don't recall this.

I did read a post about Debian not setting default root privileges but was unsure if MX had implemented that.

jessejazza wrote: Tue Apr 08, 2025 3:55 am I have just done a re-install of 23.5 - 64 bit.

I noticed when i did the synaptic updates the root password did not work and used the user password instead to authenticate in synaptic. This didn't happen before so i am wondering what i have done wrong. On the install i definitely checked the box for root password and then entered it below.

Post install, you need to use MX Tweak (Other tab) and confirm your choice to use the root password.

j2mcgreg wrote: Tue Apr 08, 2025 7:14 am

jessejazza wrote: Tue Apr 08, 2025 3:55 am I have just done a re-install of 23.5 - 64 bit.

I noticed when i did the synaptic updates the root password did not work and used the user password instead to authenticate in synaptic. This didn't happen before so i am wondering what i have done wrong. On the install i definitely checked the box for root password and then entered it below.

Post install, you need to use MX Tweak (Other tab) and confirm your choice to use the root password.

For me, the default setting should be the opposite. (in case of multi users, it is more secure)

It used to be the other way around and asked upon install. IIRC.

manual methods for setting root. in practice, always set root passwd while installing or even after 1st login to a new desktop

- open xfce-terminal
type id look along the groups shown see 27(sudo) then your good snapshots might not always restore group membership even if accounts preserved. Check same way if Personal Accounts Kept intact creating Snapshot, restore see no sudo after id cmd entered.
yet you can su - root , enter roots passwd type id and see 3 root occurrence type

usermod -aG sudo myName
exit - this will end root level and return your login account level type
id now see if 27(sudo)

right after fresh BM install and not sure gee did I answer those Root passwd questions. (some Distros have a check indicating - use same passwd for root account )
not sure, open the xfce-terminal again Or still open and you ARE of member sudo type:
sudo passwd root

your passwd
new root passwd
new root passwd (always verified 2x entry) your done. any additional account names and passwd all can be set same way sudo passwd test2 would be all the same martha bob dog cat accountnames all can be passwd set the same.

ps: BM = baremetal fresh install to storage medium.

Thanks for your replies.

I'll have to investigate further. What i have at present is root password working for Synaptic but then strangely user password for running aptitude.

I suppose it doesn't matter using the user password for admin if one is a sole user of a home PC.