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From: "Jud" <jud@myrealbox.com>
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Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 13:55:52 -0400
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Subject: How to Regain 'Lost' User?
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Was puttering along changing shells from sh to zsh for root and user, using=
 chpass -s.  This went off without a hitch for root.  Then unaccountably =
(typo?), when trying the same for user, I received a response that the us=
er was unknown.

When I try to create a new user with pw, I'm told a user with this name alr=
eady exists.  When I try to delete the user, I'm told there is no such us=
er.  Same with sysinstall - gave an error (74) when I tried to
(re)create the user.  I've also attempted to delete the relevant entries fr=
om the passwd, master.passwd and group files.  After those deletions, try=
ing to add a user with sysinstall or pw results in an error message about=
 user being dropped or lost during the operation (sorry, can't remember t=
he exact wording as I sit here on lunch break).

So rather than continuing to flail about, where should I look for informati=
on about what to do?
 
Thanks,
 
Jud