How to Reset the Directory Manager Password on RHEL 7 / CentOS 7

Reset the Directory Manager Password

In the digital world, it’s a common practice to remember passwords. However, due to the sheer number of passwords we need to remember, it’s not uncommon to forget one or two. As a system administrator, forgetting the password to manage the directory service can be a significant issue. This password is usually the admin or Directory Manager’s password.

The Directory Manager’s password is stored in the directory server configuration file and can be modified by editing the file. If you forget this password, don’t worry, it’s relatively straightforward to reset it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of checking or resetting the Directory Manager password on RHEL 7 or CentOS 7.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset the Directory Manager Password

Step 1: Stop the Directory Service

The first step in this process is to stop the directory service. If the server is running when the configuration file (dse.ldif) is modified, the changes will be lost and not applied. Use the following command to stop the service:

# systemctl stop [yourinstance]

Step 2: Generate a New Password

Next, you need to generate a new password using the pwdhash command:

# /usr/bin/pwdhash yournewpassword

This command will print out the hashed password string using the default directory manager password hashing scheme for your instance (SSHA by default).

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Step 3: Open the Configuration File

In the configuration directory, open dse.ldif using the following commands:

# cd /etc/dirsrv/slapd-instancename
# vi dse.ldif

Step 4: Replace the Old Password

Locate the nsslapd-rootpw parameter in the configuration file. Replace the old directory manager password with the new password you generated in step 2:

nsslapd-rootpw: {SSHA}yournewhashedpassword

Step 5: Save Changes and Start the Directory Service

After replacing the old password, save the changes and start the directory service using the following command:

# systemctl start [yourinstance]

Step 6: Verify the Password

Finally, log into the Console again as Directory Manager and verify the password.

Commands Mentioned

  • systemctl stop [yourinstance] – Stops the directory service
  • /usr/bin/pwdhash yournewpassword – Generates a new hashed password
  • cd /etc/dirsrv/slapd-instancename – Navigates to the configuration directory
  • vi dse.ldif – Opens the configuration file
  • systemctl start [yourinstance] – Starts the directory service
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Conclusion

Forgetting the Directory Manager’s password can be a significant issue for system administrators. However, with this comprehensive guide, you can easily reset the password on RHEL 7 or CentOS 7. By following these steps, you can ensure that you regain access to your directory service and continue managing your system effectively.

Remember, it’s crucial to keep your passwords secure and avoid sharing them via unsecured means like email or paper notes.

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FAQs

  1. What is the Directory Manager’s password? The Directory Manager’s password is a special administrative password used in directory services like 389 Directory Server. This password is used for tasks that require administrative privileges and is stored in the directory server configuration file.

  2. Why do I need to stop the directory service before editing the configuration file?

    Stopping the directory service before editing the configuration file ensures that any changes made are not lost. If the server is running when the configuration file is modified, the changes may not be applied correctly, leading to potential issues.

  3. What does the pwdhash command do?

    The pwdhash command is used to generate a hashed password string. This command uses the default directory manager password hashing scheme for your instance (SSHA by default) to create a hashed version of your new password.

  4. What is the nsslapd-rootpw parameter?

    The nsslapd-rootpw parameter in the configuration file (dse.ldif) is used to store the Directory Manager’s password. When resetting the password, you need to replace the old password associated with this parameter with your new hashed password.

  5. How can I verify that the password reset was successful?

    After resetting the Directory Manager’s password, you can verify that the reset was successful by logging into the Console again as the Directory Manager using your new password. If you can log in successfully, the password reset was successful.

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