Linux: Lost internet while using vipw. How can I unlock the file?

Question

I was editing the passwd file with vipw, when I briefly lost internet connectivity. When I logged back in and tried to edit again I get the error:

vipw: Couldn't lock file: Interrupted system call
vipw: /etc/passwd is unchanged

I'm assuming this means the passwd file is still locked from the interruped time I was editing it. How can I fix this?

ls -l /etc/.pwd.lock or strace -e open vipw, after that you can delete the lock file — c4f4t0r, Mar 09 '14 at 14:03
Thanks. I removed the .pwd.lock and passwd.lock files and that did it. Put you comment as an answer, and I'll mark it as the answer. — LoneWolfPR, Mar 09 '14 at 14:14

score 12 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 09 '14 at 15:59

12

You need to check if the /etc/.pwd.lock exists and if it's there rm /etc/.pwd.lock In this way you can solve your issue

answered Mar 09 '14 at 15:59

c4f4t0r

1 Answers1