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Asked: 2024-09-25T02:35:49+05:30 In: ,

What is the default username and password for Ubuntu systems that come pre-installed?

I’ve been diving into Linux lately, specifically Ubuntu, and I’ve hit a bit of a snag that I could really use some help with. You know how some computers come with Ubuntu pre-installed? Well, I’m trying to salvage an old laptop that I found in my attic, which has Ubuntu already on it. But here’s the catch—I can’t remember the default username and password that these systems come with.

I thought it would be a piece of cake to figure it out, but a quick Google search didn’t yield any solid answers. It seems like everyone assumes you’d set up your own username and password upon installation, which makes sense, but isn’t much help for someone who purchased the laptop secondhand or inherited it from a relative.

So, I’ve been stuck in this weird limbo where I can’t get past the login screen. I’ve tried a bunch of usernames like “admin,” “user,” and “ubuntu,” and I’ve tried the most common passwords people usually rely on, but nothing seems to work. Maybe I’m missing something obvious?

I read somewhere that certain versions of Ubuntu might have a default configuration that includes a specific username or a generic password. Is that true? If anyone has any insight into what the default credentials might be for Ubuntu systems that come pre-installed, I would seriously appreciate it.

Also, for those who’ve been in a similar situation, how did you tackle this issue? Did you manage to reset the password somehow, or did you have to reinstall the whole system? I’d rather not go that route if I can avoid it—I’ve heard it can be quite the hassle.

Honestly, I’m starting to feel like I’ve been locked out of my own digital treasure chest here, and it’s frustrating! Any advice, tips, or personal anecdotes regarding this whole situation would be golden. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

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    2 Answers






    1. Ubuntu Login Help


      Stuck on Ubuntu Login?

      It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tight spot with that old laptop! A lot of Ubuntu installations do not have a pre-set default username and password since usually, it depends on the vendor or the person who set it up originally. So, it’s totally understandable you’re having a hard time figuring it out.

      Here are some things you could try:

      • Common Usernames: Although you’ve tried some like ‘admin’ or ‘user’, have you tried ‘ubuntu’? Sometimes it’s the straightforward ones that work.
      • Common Passwords: The most common passwords are ‘password’, ‘123456’, or even just hitting ‘Enter’. Give those a shot!
      • Recovering the Password: If you have physical access to the laptop, you could reset the password by booting in recovery mode. You can do this by holding down the Shift key while booting up, selecting the recovery option, and dropping to a root shell. From there, you could use passwd username to reset it.
      • Reinstalling Ubuntu: As a last resort, if nothing else works, you could consider reinstalling. It sounds like a hassle, but it might be simpler than you think, especially if you have a USB drive with the Ubuntu installer.

      Many people have been in similar situations and managed to get back into their systems eventually—take a look around forums and communities too; they are super helpful!

      Hope this helps you get back into that digital treasure chest! Good luck!



    2. It’s not uncommon for users to encounter login issues with pre-installed versions of Ubuntu, especially when the system has passed through different hands. In most cases, if the laptop is from a well-known manufacturer that pre-installs Ubuntu (like Dell or Lenovo), they might have set up a generic username and password, but these often vary by manufacturer. The default username could be “user” or “ubuntu,” and while passwords might sometimes be blank or set to “ubuntu,” it largely depends on the specific setup by the vendor. Since you’ve tried some common defaults without success, it’s possible that the previous owner set a custom username/password that you’re unaware of.

      If you’re stuck at the login screen without any way to remember the credentials, restoring access can be done without having to reinstall the OS. You can use the recovery mode to reset your password. Boot the laptop and hold the Shift key to access the GRUB menu. From there, you can select the recovery mode option. Once in recovery mode, choose the “root” option to gain administrative access, and you can use the command `passwd username` (replacing “username” with the identified username) to reset the password. If defaults are confusing, another option is to create a new user from the root prompt. Just remember to check how to properly exit without causing filesystem issues. This method should get you back into your system without the hassle of a full OS reinstall.


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