SU Authentication failure

[Phil Sexton]

John wrote:
> Hi
> 
> Having just upgraded to Hardy Heron 8.04, I've been trying to use a 
> terminal window to su to change a configuration in /etc/bluetooth.
> 
> I keep getting an Authentication failure which I don't remember from 
> Version 7.
> 
> If I change a setting in, say, the network configuration using the  
> System -> Administration -> Network menu option, is asks for 
> authorisation and accepts my password.
> 
> Why does su not let me in?
> 
> TIA

The root password is locked by default for security reasons, so sudo 
is the recommended way.

You can set a root password, however by:

sudo passwd

To re-lock the root password:

sudo passwd -l root