Using the System Password Feature
NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. However, they are not foolproof. If
your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption
programs.
Your Dell system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate your system only with
system password protection.
You can assign a system password, as described in "
Assigning a System Password
", whenever you use
System Setup
. After a system password
is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system.
When
System Password
is set to
Enabled
, the computer system prompts you for the system password just after the system boots. See "
Using
Your System Password to Secure Your System
" for more information.
To change an existing system password, you must know the password (see "
Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password
"). If you assign
and later forget a system password, you must remove the computer cover to change a jumper setting that disables the system password feature
(see "
Disabling a Forgotten Password
"). Note that you erase the
setup password
at the same time.
NOTICE: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system password assigned, or if you leave your
computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on
your hard-disk drive.
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter System Setup and check the
System Password
option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown in
System Password
is
Enabled
. When the system password feature is disabled by a
jumper setting on the system board, the setting shown is
Disabled
.
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these options
is displayed.
When no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its default setting), the option
shown for the
System Password
option is
Not Enabled
.
Only when
System Password
is set to
Not
Enabled
can you assign a system
password
, using the following procedure:
1. Verify that
Password Status
is set to
Unlocked
.
For instructions on changing the setting for
Password Status
, see "
Password Status
."
2. Highlight
System
Password
, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to
Enter
Password
, followed by an empty 32-character field in square brackets.
3. Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field. The password assignment
operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase characters. For
example, if you have an
M
in your password, the system recognizes either
M
or
m
as correct.
1
Security cable slot
2
Padlock ring
