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Securing Your Computer 73
Use the User Accounts option in the Control Panel in the Microsoft Windows
operating system to create user accounts or to change passwords. Once you
create a user password, you must enter it each time you turn on or unlock
your computer. If a valid password is not entered within two minutes, the
computer returns to its previous operating state.
For more information, see your Windows documentation.
About Passwords
NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or
hard drive. However, they are not always reliable. If you require more security,
obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data encryption
programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.
NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.
The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on
your computer.
If you forget a password, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 269).
For your protection, Dell support will require verification of your identity to
ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.
Type of Password Features
Primary (system)
password
• Protects your computer from unauthorized access
Administrator password
• Gives system administrators or service technicians
access to computers for repair or reconfiguration
• Restricts access to System Setup in the same way a
primary password restricts access to the computer
• Can be used instead of the primary password
Hard drive password
• Helps protect your hard drive or external hard drive (if
used) from unauthorized access
NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive
passwords.