5. Remind the user to enter a new password when service is complete.
Administrator password
The administrator password is used to restrict access to the Configuration/Setup
Utility program. If the administrator password is activated, and you do not enter
the administrator password, the configuration can be viewed but not changed.
Note:
Type 2271/6840/6841 computers have Enhanced Security Mode. If Enhanced Security
mode is enabled and there is no password given, the computer will act as if Enhanced
Security is disabled.
If Enhanced Security is Enabled and an administrator password is given, the administrator
password must be entered to use the computer. If the administrator password is lost or
forgotten, the system board in the computer must be replaced in order to regain access to
the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
Administrator password control
The Administrator password is set in the Setup Configuration. Refer to “Setup
Utility program” on page 7.
Operating system password
An operating system password is very similar to a power-on password and denies
access to the computer by an unauthorized user when the password is activated.
The computer is unusable until the password is entered and recognized by the
computer.
Vital product data
Each computer has a unique Vital Product Data (VPD) code stored in the
nonvolatile memory on the system board. After you replace the system board, the
VPD must be updated. To update the VPD, see “Flash (BIOS/VPD) update
procedure” on page 88.
Management Information Format (MIF)
Management Information Format (MIF) is a file used to maintain a list of the
system unit serial number along with all serialized components (for example,
system board, riser card, memory, and processor).
At the time of computer manufacture, the EPROM will be loaded with the serial
numbers of the system and all major components. The customer will have access to
the MIF file via the DMI MIF Browser that is installed with the preload and is also
available on the SSCD that is provided with the system.
A company called Retain-a-Group is a central data warehouse offering serial
number data management. Retain-a-Group acts as a focal point to law
enforcement. The customer has the option to purchase serial number information
and services from Retain-a-Group. It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain
the MIF file and to inform Retain-a-Group of any changes to the file.
Some customers may request their servicers to assist them in maintaining the MIF
file when serialized components are replaced during hardware service. This
assistance is between the customer and the servicer. The servicer can use the DMI
MIF Browser to update the MIF information in the EPROM. It is anticipated that
some servicers might charge for this service.
86 Hardware Maintenance Manual A40 Type 6840 A40P Type 6841 A40i Type 2271: IBM NetVista Computer