can /etc/passwd file be copied over and used?

[kukuluku]

Our Admin is upgrading HP-UX to 11i. He did backup of all files and then install the O/S. He is asking our passwords so he can add them back. I thought you could just restore the /etc/passwd file (maybe change showdow file too?) and use it. But he said that wouldn't work. Can anyone clarify?

Thanks,

 

[KenCunningham]

Not sure in HP, but you can do it in some other *nixs. Copy /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow. I think it also involves using pwconv to 'resynch' the files, but can't be sure.

 

[Chacalinc]

hey, keep in mind the ssh, and PAM.