pdbedit” is a Linux command-line utility for editing the user database of a Samba server. Samba is a free software suite that provides file and print services to SMB/CIFS clients, allowing them to access files and printers on a Linux or Unix server as if they were on a Windows server.
The Samba user database is used to store information about the users who are authorized to access the Samba server, including their usernames, passwords, and other information such as their group membership and file share permissions. “pdbedit” provides a way to manipulate this database, allowing administrators to add, remove, and modify users, as well as change their passwords.
While “pdbedit” provides a comprehensive set of options for managing the Samba user database, it can be a complex and technical tool to use. For simple tasks such as adding or removing users or changing passwords, “smbpasswd” is often a simpler and more straightforward option. “smbpasswd” is a simple command-line tool that provides basic password management for Samba users, making it a convenient option for administrators who only need to perform basic user management tasks.
If you encounter the below error while running the command pdbedit:
pdbedit: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install samba |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install samba |
| Alpine | apk add samba |
| Arch Linux | pacman -S samba |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install samba |
| CentOS | yum install samba-common-tools |
| Fedora | dnf install samba-common-tools-2 |
| Raspbian | apt-get install samba |
pdbedit Command Examples
1. List all Samba users (use verbose flag to show their settings):
# sudo pdbedit --list --verbose
2. Add an existing Unix user to Samba (will prompt for password):
# sudo pdbedit --user username --create
3. Remove a Samba user:
# sudo pdbedit --user username --delete
4. Reset a Samba user’s failed password counter:
# sudo pdbedit --user username --bad-password-count-reset
Summary
In summary, “pdbedit” is a comprehensive tool for managing the Samba user database, while “smbpasswd” is a simple and straightforward option for basic user management tasks. Both tools are important components of a Samba server and provide administrators with the ability to manage the users who have access to the server.