Service Reference Guide, dc5100
376220-001
3–21
Desktop Management
Using DriveLock
The DriveLock option appears under the Security menu in Computer Setup. The user is
presented with options to set the master password or to enable DriveLock. A user password must
be provided in order to enable DriveLock. Since the initial configuration of DriveLock is
typically performed by a system administrator, a master password should be set first. HP
encourages system administrators to set a master password whether they plan to enable
DriveLock or keep it disabled. This will give the administrator the ability to modify DriveLock
settings if the drive is locked in the future. Once the master password is set, the system
administrator may enable DriveLock or choose to keep it disabled.
If a locked hard drive is present, POST will require a password to unlock the device. If a
power-on password is set and it matches the device’s user password, POST will not prompt the
user to re-enter the password. Otherwise, the user will be prompted to enter a DriveLock
password. Either the master or the user password may be used. Users will have two attempts to
enter a correct password. If neither attempt succeeds, POST will continue but the drive will
remain inaccessible.
DriveLock Applications
The most practical use of the DriveLock security feature is in a corporate environment where a
system administrator provides users with multibay hard drives for use in some computers. The
system administrator would be responsible for configuring the multibay hard drive which would
involve, among other things, setting the DriveLock master password. In the event that the user
forgets the user password or the equipment is passed on to another employee, the master
password can always be used to reset the user password and regain access to the hard drive.
HP recommends that corporate system administrators who choose to enable DriveLock also
establish a corporate policy for setting and maintaining master passwords. This should be done to
prevent a situation where an employee intentionally or unintentionally sets both DriveLock
passwords before leaving the company. In such a scenario, the hard drive would be rendered
unusable and require replacement. Likewise, by not setting a master password, system
administrators may find themselves locked out of a hard drive and unable to perform routine
checks for unauthorized software, other asset control functions, and support.
For users with less stringent security requirements, HP does not recommend enabling DriveLock.
Users in this category include personal users or users who do not maintain sensitive data on their
hard drives as a common practice. For these users, the potential loss of a hard drive resulting
from forgetting both passwords is much greater than the value of the data DriveLock has been
designed to protect. Access to Computer Setup and DriveLock can be restricted through the
Setup password. By specifying a Setup password and not giving it to end users, system
administrators are able to restrict users from enabling DriveLock.
