Tell me more ×
Unix & Linux Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for users of Linux, FreeBSD and other Un*x-like operating systems.. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

So I have a Debian distro at home (considering getting ubuntu), and I can't login. When I use the correct password is does this thing where it makes it look like it's going to login, and then it redirects to the login screen, but when I use an incorrect password it says "authentication failure". Does anyone know what could be causing this?

share|improve this question
6  
Check for errors in ~/.xsession_errors and /var/log/Xorg.0.log. You should be able to still login in via the console (Ctrl+Alt+F1). – jordanm Jan 26 at 2:02
1  
What desktop are you using? You could try switching to a console (Ctrl+Alt+F1 through Ctrl+Alt+F6), login, and type startkde (If you are using KDE, if not, leave a comment telling what desktop you are using), then post the errors if there are any. – BenjiWiebe Jan 26 at 19:52

1 Answer

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Perhaps your .profile, .bash_profile, /etc/profile, or .bashrc contains an error, and makes the shell exit?

If thats the case, use ctr-alt-F1 to enter the shell. use the command su - root to enter a root session, and then use nano or vi to edit the file that is broken.

share|improve this answer
Very possible, I was just editing it, but how can I fix that from the login? Is there a way to access the CLI? – bwheeler96 Feb 1 at 16:44
I can't find my bash profile. I even tried to use the locate command. What directories would they be in? – bwheeler96 Feb 2 at 17:18

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.