Try this. if [ "$BASH" ]; then PS1='\u@\h:\w\$ ' else if [ "`id -u`" -eq 0 ]; then PS1='# ' else PS1='$ ' fi fi That should do it. Just modify the correct prompt for root and make it what you want. If you want to read the bashprompt-HOWTO is a good document -- Only wimps use tape backup: _real_ men just upload their important stuff on ftp, and let the rest of the world mirror it ;) -- Linus Torvalds, about his failing hard drive on linux.cs.helsinki.fi -- Raul A. Gallegos mailto:raul at asmodean.net - http://www.asmodean.net