Ubuntu 12.04
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Enable root User
2012/04/27
 
The root user in Ubuntu is disabled by default because his password is not set. But if you'd like to use root user by some reason, enable it like follows.
[1] Set root password
pangolin@dlp:~$
sudo passwd root

Enter new UNIX password:
# set root password

Retype new UNIX password:
# confirm

passwd: password updated successfully
pangolin@dlp:~$
su -

Password:
# root password

root@dlp:~#
# just switched

*
The examples on this site show as a root user from now. If you use sudo, add "sudo" at the head of commands.
[2] If you enable root, limit users to switch to root.
root@dlp:~#
vi /etc/pam.d/su
# line 15: uncomment and add a group that can switch to root

auth   required   pam_wheel.so  
group=adm
root@dlp:~#
vi /etc/group
adm:x:4:
pangolin

 
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