NAME

vipw − edit the password file

SYNOPSIS

vipw

DESCRIPTION

Vipw edits the password file while setting the appropriate locks, and does any necessary processing after the password file is unlocked.  If the password file is already being edited, then the user will be asked to try again later.  The vi editor will be used unless the environment variable EDITOR indicates an alternate editor. 

Vipw performs a number of consistency checks on the password entry for root, and will not allow a password file with a “mangled” root entry to be installed. 

SEE ALSO

chfn(1), chsh(1), passwd(1), vi(1), passwd(5), adduser(8)

FILES

/etc/ptmp

BUGS

If /etc/passwd is a TRFS link to /etc/passwd on another node, vipw will not work.  Use vi instead. 

4th Berkeley Distribution  —  1 August 1985