Password Protection
The computer provides the following types of password protection:
l
System password
l
Setup password
System Password
System passwords allow only those who know the password to have full use of the system. Your Dell system does not have the system password feature
enabled when you receive it.
System Password
settings in
system setup
:
l
Enabled
—
a system password is assigned
l
Disabled
—
system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board
l
Not Enabled
—
no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its default setting)
Assigning a System Password
1.
Verify that
Password Status
is set to
Unlocked in
system setup.
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.
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.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
NOTICE:
Although passwords provide security for the data on your system, 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.
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 drive.
NOTE:
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of the following two options is displayed.
NOTE:
You can only assign a system password when
System Password
is set to
Not Enabled
.
