How to enable Linux to auto login at bootup

This howto show you howto get Linux to auto login in multi-user mode(non-GUI) at bootup.

Difficulty Operating Systems med/hard linux

About:Ratings

Requirements

• getty, or agetty; any getty that supports executing files (mingetty does not)
• gcc: usually standard http://gcc.gnu.org
• a boot disk or live cd is a good idea. If you make a mistake your computer may not boot up properly.

Steps

You may not boot up if this isn't done properly, and these steps may not be the same for your computer

1. edit a file: for example 'autologinz.c', and add

   int main() { execlp( "login", "login", "-f", "zymos", 0); }

2. Compile the file by executing this command:

   gcc -o autologinz autologinz.c

3. make sure autologinz is executable. For help See: Howto to change file permissions in unix
4. edit '/etc/inittab', and on line that looks similar to the following

   c1:2345:respawn:/sbin/agetty 38400 tty1 linux or

   1:2345:respawn:/sbin/mingetty tty1

5. Replace that line with the following using the location of your executable

   1:2345:respawn:/sbin/agetty -n -l /usr/local/sbin/autologinz 38400 tty1

6. reboot
   • If you computer does not boot up properly use you boot disk to replace the line in '/etc/inittab' to its original and read 'man getty'