How do I log into a Next without a password?

May 9, 2006 9:42 AM

How can I log into a second-hand NeXT computer without knowing the username/password?

I need to access files on a second-hand NeXT workstation (magnesium alloy and all). Somehow it still powers on after 10 years of sitting in a non-climate controlled storage unit.

It has a username/password login, but I can't track down the original users because it has been so long. Are there any tricks or tips that will get me past the log in screen, and get me access to file files?

posted by soda pop to computers & internet (4 comments total)

First boot it into single-user mode:
On ADB NeXts hold down the command, alt and tilde keys after the Testing System panel disappears.
(On Non-ADB NeXTs use the right command key and "~" key).

When it comes up, start NetInfo by typing
sh /etc/rc

When that's done, use "nu -m" to change the password.
Type 'reboot' to restart.
posted by bonaldi at 9:56 AM on May 9, 2006

I'd say pull the HD and mount it on a Linux box and clear out the root password. Could be more difficult if the HD is SCSI and you don't have a SCSI card laying around.
You might also be able to use some Live Linux CD, but I dunno which ones off hand support NeXT machines.
posted by mister e at 9:57 AM on May 9, 2006

or what bonaldi said. :)
posted by mister e at 9:57 AM on May 9, 2006

Could be more difficult if the HD is SCSI and you don't have a SCSI card laying around.

That's the easy part. The hard part comes because the password will be stored in NetInfo -- and IIRC, the filesystem looks like a 4.3 ufs, but reverse-endian.

The thing bonaldi suggested is the way that's designed in (and the way that's in the NeXT FAQ, incidentally -- it's worth reading the whole thing over because I doubt the root password is going to be the end of the surprises on that box!)
posted by mendel at 10:08 AM on May 9, 2006