[Solved] You run this command to check password expiry info:sudo chage -l usernameBut it shows an error: chage: user 'username' does not exist. What is the most likely cause? | Linux CLI

Linux CLI - Users and Groups

You run this command to check password expiry info:

sudo chage -l username

But it shows an error: chage: user 'username' does not exist. What is the most likely cause?

AThe username is missing in /etc/passwd

BThe /etc/shadow file is empty

CThe chage command is not installed

DThe user has no password set

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand chage user check
The chage command checks user password expiry info by looking up the username in /etc/passwd.
Step 2: Analyze error cause
Error 'user does not exist' means the username is not found in /etc/passwd. If the user was missing there, chage cannot proceed.
Final Answer:
The username is missing in /etc/passwd -> Option A
Quick Check:
User must exist in /etc/passwd for chage to work [OK]

Quick Trick: Check /etc/passwd for username before using chage [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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