can log in as root, can't su

I've recently had to install an application on my macbook air that required root. I didn't really want to enable root to do so. My current user is listed as Admin. I can enable root, and log in as it, and I can then "su" successfully. However, if I disable root on the MBA, I can no longer "su" - it prompts me for my password, but then when I type the root password it comes back "Sorry". When I type my own password: same thing - "Sorry". Queue "waahh waahhhh....." music.

Does "su" require a password that's different than both the current user and root?

Thanks, in advance, for any help.

`iyc

PS - I can do the above behavior with no problem on my macbook pro. same os version.

Actually, you want to use 'sudo'. Doesn't require root, just your admin password. Works the same.

Thanks! That works. Just a follow-up, out of curiosity: if I enable root and sudo su I can sudo su. If I disable root and sudo su, I cannot sudo su. However, it's possible on my other machine. My question is: is it possible to set up a superuser without enabling root?

superuser = root. When you use sudo to execute something, you are executing it with root privileges. Therefore, you shouldn't need to enable the root user. Instead, stick with sudo.