Enabling Root user in Ubuntu

Enabling

To actually enable root logins, just do a sudo passwd -u root. This will prompt for a new root password and once you confirm it, you can start using the root account to login.

Reverting back

If you want to disable root account in Ubuntu you need to lock the root account by using the following command sudo passwd -l root

Alternatives to root login

If you want to work on a root console you can also use sudo -i.

Only do this if you know what you are doing. More information on why to stay with sudo here

Graphical version needs setting up 1st:

gksu gnome-terminal will open a terminal with a root prompt.

passwd root will allow you to create a password for root.

gksu users-admin will open the users screen: