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AZURE WHM Password

Wayne Lawson 0 Reputation points
2026-05-11T01:43:38.0666667+00:00

I have a VM that runs Ubuntu with a WHM/Cpanel image installed.

Everything has been going well, but the WHM root password has changed somehow and I can't find how I can change it.

Everthing I try doesn't have an effect

I have

  • Changed the SSH password
  • Changed through VMAccessForLinux
  • RunShellScript is still running the password change command (has been for 10 minutes)

Can someone point me in the right direction please

Thanks

Wayne

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines

An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.

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  1. Ankit Yadav 14,345 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-11T06:06:27.1566667+00:00

    Hello Wayne Lawson,

    From an Azure perspective, the password reset operations you performed (SSH password change, VMAccessForLinux, Run Command) all target the local Linux user accounts on the virtual machine.

    If those actions are not taking effect, the issue is most likely related to how the VM is processing credential updates rather than a known Azure platform issue.

    Here are some key points and recommended steps:

    1. Scope clarification
    • Azure can only reset operating system–level user credentials.
    • If your WHM/cPanel access relies on the underlying Linux user (for example, the root account), then resetting that OS user password should allow access.
    • If WHM maintains its own authentication layer or is out of sync, additional application-level reset steps may be required within the VM.

    2. Verify VMAccess / reset password functionality

    • Password reset through the Azure portal or VMAccess extension requires:
      • The Azure Linux Agent to be installed and running
        • The VM agent status to be Ready
        • If the extension or Run Command is stuck or not completing, it can indicate:
          • VM agent issues
            • Extension execution failure

    Recommended action:

    • Re-run the password reset from the Azure portal using the Reset password option.
    • Ensure you specify the correct existing username (for example, root or your admin user).

    3. If password reset is not applying If the reset methods are not working or appear stuck, use one of the following supported recovery methods:

    Serial Console (recommended for access issues)

    • This works independently of SSH and network configuration.
      • You can access the VM and reset the password in single-user mode.
    • Repair VM method (last resort).

    These methods are commonly used when:

    • VM extensions are not functioning
    • SSH or password authentication is misconfigured
    • The OS user password cannot be updated through normal channels

    4. Additional checks

    • Ensure password authentication is enabled in SSH configuration (sshd_config)
    • Confirm that you are resetting the correct user account
    • After reset, attempt login again via SSH to validate the new credentials

    References:

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