diff --git a/debian/debian-essentials.sh b/debian/debian-essentials.sh
index 52c1f9b..0bd62e3 100755
--- a/debian/debian-essentials.sh
+++ b/debian/debian-essentials.sh
@@ -253,8 +253,14 @@ fi
 # lock root
 if [[ -d /home/akanealw ]]
     then
-        passwd -l root
-        skill -KILL -u root
+        isInFile=$(cat /etc/shadow | grep -c 'root:!')
+            if [ $isInFile -eq 0 ]
+                then
+                    passwd -l root
+                    skill -KILL -u root
+                else
+                    "root account already disabled."
+            fi        
     else
         echo "akanealw account not found, not locking root."
 fi