When logging into another computer using SSH, an RSA host key is stored on the terminal computer and then checked for parity at future logins.
If the operating system of the host computer changes (e.g. re-install with the same hostname), an error message will occur notifying the user that the remote host ID has changed and access will be denied:
If you are sure that the changes made to the host computer were legitimate, you can edit the known_hosts file and delete the original key. At the next login you will be prompted to verify the host machine again. This will add the correct key to the known_hosts file and allow access.
To delete the key use either of the following:
Step 1:
Browse to the home directory of the user that requires login access.
Step 2:
Browse to the ./ssh directory, and open the file named known_hosts.
Step 3:
Find the offending key, delete, save and exit.
Step 1:
Open a terminal session and type:
Edit the above path by amending [user] with the user that requires login access.
Step 2:
Find the offending key, delete, save and exit.
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