Dell R200 Computer Hardware User Manual


 
Using the System Setup Program 45
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 47). 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. This
procedure is described in "Disabling a Forgotten Password" on page 125.
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.
book.book Page 45 Thursday, August 30, 2007 3:30 PM