Emergency Linux Server Access

I am locked out of my Linux server after accidentally deleting the SSH keys and then mis-editing sshd_config while trying to re-enable root and password authentication. I still have full physical console/KVM access to the machine, but no rescue image or live CD handy, and every password I know is being rejected.

I need a seasoned Linux admin to walk me through, in real time, whatever approach gets me back to a working root shell the fastest—whether that means dropping to single-user mode from GRUB, crafting a chroot environment, or any other proven technique. Once inside, we must restore a clean sshd_config, generate new key pairs, and verify both key-based and fallback password logins work before we call it done.

Deliverables
• Step-by-step commands executed (with brief explanations)
• Restored root access and at least one non-root sudo user
• Working OpenSSH configuration with new keys confirmed

I’m standing by at the console and can reboot as needed, so please be prepared to start immediately.