Dell POWER EDGE 2900, Hardware Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 182

Using the System Setup Program
43
System and Setup Password Features
NOTICE:
The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. If your data requires
more security, use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.
NOTICE:
Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the system running and unattended
without having a system password assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the
password by changing a jumper setting.
Your 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.
To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see "Deleting or Changing an
Existing System Password" on page 45). If you forget your password, you cannot operate your system or
change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the password
jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. See "Disabling a Forgotten
Password" on page 46.
Using the System Password
After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system.
When the
System Password option is set to Enabled , the system prompts you for the system password
after the system starts.
Assigning a System Password
Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the System Password
option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Enabled . If
the setting shown for the Password Status is Unlocked , you can change the system password. If the
Password Status option is Locked , you cannot change the system password. When the system password
feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is Disabled , and you cannot change or enter
a new system password.
When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled
(default) position, the setting shown for the
System Password option is Not Enabled and the Password
Status field is Unlocked . To assign a system password:
1
Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked .
2
Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.
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.