Return
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Title
Solaris 11 shows "Unexpected failure. Password file/table unchanged" when using passwd command -
Description
When running the passwd command against a local user on Solaris 11 the following error occurs:
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root@server1:~# passwd localuser
New Password:
Unexpected failure. Password file/table unchanged.
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Cause
Possible Operating system configuration error in /etc/default/passwd file. -
Resolution
Check the entries in the following file:
/etc/default/passwd
Note that the MINNONALPHA option cannot be used at the same time as MINSPECIAL or MINDIGIT:
--------------------------MINDIFF=3MINALPHA=2MINNONALPHA=1#MINUPPER=0#MINLOWER=0MAXREPEATS=0#MINSPECIAL=1MINDIGIT=1#WHITESPACE=YES
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The above example would cause the error to occur as both MINNONALPHA and MINDIGIT are configured.
Comment out either the MINNONALPHA or both MINDIGIT & MINSPECIAL entries to resolve.
Note that if the above configuration is the cause of the issue then you may also see the following error message in the /var/log/authlog file:
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Nov 18 16:34:33 server01 syslog[25976]: [ID 978052 auth.error] pam_authtok_check: /etc/default/passwd contains definition for MINNONALPHA and for MINDIGIT. These options are mutually exclusive.
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Additional Information
Note that this is an operating system configuration issue and not Authentication services. This advice has been provided as a courtesy and other causes of this issue will exist.