Password security
The power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the workstation by requiring entry of a password
to access applications or data each time the workstation is powered on or restarted. The setup password
specifically prevents unauthorized access to the Computer Setup (F10) Utility and can also be used as
an override to the power-on password. When prompted for the power-on password, entering the setup
password instead enables access to the workstation.
You can establish a network-wide setup password to enable the system administrator to log in to all
network systems to perform maintenance without having to know the power-on password.
NOTE:
System Software Manager and HP Client Manager Software enable remote management of
setup passwords and other BIOS settings in a networked environment. For more information, see
http://www.hp.com/go/easydeploy
.
Establishing a setup password using the Computer Setup (F10) Utility
Establishing a setup password through the Computer Setup (F10) Utility prevents reconfiguration of the
workstation (through the use of the Computer Setup (F10) Utility) until the password is entered.
To establish a setup password using the Computer Setup (F10) menu:
1.
Power on or restart the workstation.
2.
As soon as the computer is powered on, press and hold the
F10
key until you enter the Computer
Setup (F10) Utility. Press
Enter
to bypass the title screen, if necessary.
NOTE:
If you do not press the
F10
key at the appropriate time, you must restart the workstation,
and then press and hold the
F10
key again to access the utility.
If you are using a PS 2 keyboard, you might see a keyboard error message—disregard it.
3.
Select
Security>Setup Password
, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
4.
Before exiting, select
File>Save Changes,
and then select
Exit
.
Establishing a power-on password using workstation setup
Establishing a power-on password through the Computer Setup (F10) Utility prevents access to the
workstation when power is connected, unless the password is entered. When a power-on password is
set, the Computer Setup (F10) Utility presents Password Options in the Security menu. The password
options include Network Server Mode and Password Prompt on Warm Boot.
When Network Server Mode is disabled, the password must be entered each time the workstation is
powered on when the key icon appears on the monitor. When Password Prompt on Warm Boot
is enabled, the password must also be entered each time the workstation is rebooted. When Network
Server Mode is enabled, the password prompt is not presented during POST, but any attached PS 2
keyboard remains locked until you enter the power-on password.
To enable Network Server Mode, a power-on password must be set. The option to set this password is
available under
Advanced>Password Options
. This option enables the system to boot without
requiring the power-on password, but the keyboard and mouse are locked until you enter the password.
The keyboard LEDs rotate constantly when the system is in locked mode.
42
Chapter 4 System management
ENWW
