Recovering the padmin Password in VIOS

Resolving The Problem

Question

How can I reset my padmin password for my VIO server?

Cause

The padmin password was lost or forgotten.

Answer

The information in this document applies to VIOS Versions 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 2.1. If you need additional details about booting your system into maintenance mode and starting a limited function maintenance shell, you should consult the product documentation or contact your AIX Support Center.

Booting PCI-Based Systems into Service Mode

When booting a PowerPC into Service mode, cd0 or rmt0 must be before the hdisk in the bootlist. If not, change the bootlist at boot time. On some models, you can set the machine to use a default bootlist that includes both cd0 and rmt0. If a bootable CD or tape is in the CD-ROM or tape drive, the machine will boot from this device.

For most of the newer PCI-based models, selecting the default bootlist with a bootable tape or CD loaded in the machine causes the system to automatically boot from that device. Generally, the next menu on the screen asks the administrator to define the system console.

For all machines discussed here, if you are using a graphical terminal, you will use a function key such as F5. If you are using an ASCII terminal, use an equivalent number key such as 5. Use the numbers across the top of the keyboard, not the numbers on the numeric keypad. On ASCII terminals, the icons may not be displayed on the screen; the number can be pressed between the second and the third beeps, the second beep being a series of three clicks.