smbpasswd file

[StanLin]

In order to allow windows users to access the linux server I had to create the smbpasswd file from the passwd file with the cat command. Then I created the samba password with the smbpasswd command for each user. Seems awfully tedious to do this everytime I add new users. It is RH7 with shadow passwords installed.

[andrzej]

When you add a new user don't rewrite the whole smbpasswd unless you really want to retype every user password.

It's far easier to edit the smbpasswd by hand. Just copy any line within the file (preferably one with [XXXX....]:[XXXX....]), check what are new user's uid, gid, and login name, type them into appropriate places within newly copied line, save.

Then run: 'smbpasswd new_username'.

Hope this helps.
Andrzej

[StanLin]

The last time I did this, the root password got screwed up (no longer usable). I don't know why. I had to reinstall. I will try your suggestion when I feel I have the time prepared for a reinstallation.

[andrzej]

Originally posted by StanLin:
The last time I did this, the root password got screwed up (no longer usable). I don't know why. I had to reinstall. I will try your suggestion when I feel I have the time prepared for a reinstallation.

Hmmm. Are we talking about the smbpasswd file ?

If it is the case, there is NO WAY of changing the root password. Unless you mean root password for samba logons. But allowing samba logons for the user root seems crazy for security reasons.
Believe me: as long as you don't change by mistake either passwd or shadow file instead of smbpasswd my method is perfectly safe.
Don't make mistakes editing the file and even samba passwords will be safe.

Andrzej

[StanLin]

Ok, I try. Thanks.

[StanLin]

Yup, it works like you said. Thanks again.