TITLE
    Mac OS X 10.0: Do Not Use "root" as a User Name
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		106240
3/27/01
4/3/01
TOPIC

    The name "root" is reserved for system purposes and should not be used.

DISCUSSION

    Symptom

    If you create a user named "root" in the Setup Assistant or Users control panel, you may encounter unforeseen difficulties caused by a conflict between two "root" user accounts.

    When setup assistant creates the first user account it is created with a specific numeric user ID. This ID is different from the built in 'root' account and conflicts can arise if two 'root' accounts exist.

    Products affected

    • Mac OS X 10.0

    Solution

    Do not use the name "root." Pick a different name for the user account.

    The name "root" is reserved for system use in UNIX-like operating systems. Conflicts between the operating system's root user and your "root" user can arise if you choose this name.


Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: Mac OS X
Sub Category: General Topics
Keywords: kmosx

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