Dell 840 Personal Computer User Manual


 
38 Using the System Setup Program
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 is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you
enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password,
press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field,
or press <Esc> at any time prior to completing step 5.
4
Press <Enter>.
5
To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The setting shown for the
System Password
changes to
Enabled
. Exit the System Setup program and
begin using your system.
6
Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see ""Using the Setup Password" on page 39), the system accepts
your setup password as an alternate system password.
When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security
enabled or to disable the password security.
To leave the password security enabled:
1
Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
2
Type your password and press <Enter>.
To disable the password security:
1
Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
2
Type your password and press <Ctrl><Enter>.
When the Password Status option is set to Locked whenever you turn on your system or reboot your
system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, type your password and press <Enter> at the prompt.
After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.
If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter
your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful
attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful attempts and that
the system has halted and will shut down. This message can alert you to an unauthorized person
attempting to use your system.