Screwed up all permissions

[Hmse]

I was messing around with file permissions in a way that, now, I realize I should never have done.
Basically here's the deal:
I can no longer log in as root (just refuses the password)
Cannot su or sudo
Cannot execute anything with normal user
Pretty much all that works are simple, non-execution commands.

Is there a way to restore all permissions to their original state other than one by one?

[techwise]

Yes or no. It depends to what extent you borked things. If you were root when you did all this and you made enough changes that you wuoldnt be able to remember them all and/or you dont know what the original permissions were, it seems like the most prudent thing to do would be reinstall. I only say this because, sure, you could get it all working again but you may not have something properly set therefore leaving you unsecured.

The only way to restore to original would be if you had a proper backup, proper meaning a backup done with a tool that preserves all file permissions.

If you want to get root working again, get a copy of Knoppix or the like and start there.

Good luck. There is no better way to learn than from your mistakes.

Mike

[Hmse]

Alright, that is pretty much the conclusion that I came to.

P.S. I knew I should have made a backup:P Oh well, its not that big of a deal to reinstall.
Thanks

[techwise]

P.S. Fantastic Book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1565...03#reader-link