How to reset root password in FreeBSD

This article describes how to reset root password in FreeBSD if the password is lost.

1. Boot the system in a single user mode. This must be selected in the boot menu.

Press 4 to select a single user mode in FreeBSD 8:

Press 6 then Enter to select a single user mode in FreeBSD 9:

2. Remount file system to read/write mode for root directory /:

mount -u /
mount -a

3. Сhange the password:

passwd

4. Type the new root password twice:

# mount -u /
# mount -a
# passwd
Changing local password for root
New Password:

5. Reboot the system:

reboot