Changing Postgres User Password

Changing the password for the postgres user (pgsql in FreeBSD) differs depending on the version of PostgreSQL installed. To check the version, type under root:

# psql --version

PostgreSQL 7.4.7 is used in the latest versions of H-Sphere for both the H-Sphere system database and user databases. However, earlier versions of H-Sphere use even Postgres 7.1.

For security reasons we recommend upgrading your PostgreSQL servers to:

• version 7.4.7 (for HS 2.4.1 Patch 2+)
• to version 7.3 (for earlier HS versions).

PostgreSQL 7.1

1. Log in:
   - as postgres in RedHat:
   # su - postgres
   - as pgsql in FreeBSD:
   # su - pgsql
   

2. Run:
   $ pg_passwd data/passwd
   Then, enter username (postgres or pgsql) and a new password when prompted.
   Usernames and passwords are stored in the data/passwd file of the postgres / pgsql user's home directory.

PostgreSQL 7.3 and up

The postgres/pgsql password is changed in the PostgreSQL service database. This is a more secure way than having the passwords stored in a file. Run under root:

In RedHat:

psql -d template1 -U postgres (enter the template1 service database)
alter user postgres with password 'postgres_password'; (run query to change the password)

psql -d template1 -U pgsql
alter user pgsql with password 'pgsql_password';

Restart Postgres to apply changes.