Messed up root

[Gary Roach <gary719_list1@verizon.net>]

I've done the unthinkable. I accidentally changed root to qroot in my 
/etc/passwd file and then proceeded to log out of root. All of the files 
in /etc were changed to owner qroot and the root password doesn't work 
any more. I have a new Knoppix CD and a new Debian network install CD. 
Can I use either of these to edit the passwd file and correct the 
problem. If so, how.

Thanks in advance

Gary R.