Sometimes we need to edit system files of Linux and it requires to login as root user to gain full administrator privileges. Here is a step by step procedure to enable, login and disable root user account in Ubuntu 9.04 (Linux). However its not a good idea to login as a root account. For regular Linux accounts it is recommended to use sudo command in terminal to execute root commands as its more safer and reliable.

How To Login As A Root User

First you have to create a password for a root user. Use the following command to set a new password for a root user.

sudo passwd root

Now use the following command to find where gdm.conf is located

locate gdm.conf

Use this command to edit gdm.conf

sudo gedit /etc/gdm/gdm.conf

Find AllowRoot=false in gdm.conf and change its value to AllowRoot=true

Click on the Save button and then close gdm.conf.

Restart Ubuntu to login as a root user.

Disable Root Account

You may use the following command to disable root account.

sudo passwd -l root

My Complete Terminal Log

jaxov@ubuntu:~$ sudo passwd root
Enter new UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
passwd: password updated successfully
jaxov@ubuntu:~$ locate gdm.conf
/etc/gdm/gdm.conf
/etc/gdm/gdm.conf-custom
/var/lib/dpkg/info/gdm.conffiles
/var/lib/dpkg/info/gdm.config
jaxov@ubuntu:~$ sudo gedit /etc/gdm/gdm.conf
jaxov@ubuntu:~$