Dell OptiPlex GX150 - Manual (Page 26)

Password Protection
The computer provides two types of password protection:
l System password
l Setup password
System Password
System passwords allow only those who know the password to have full use of the system. Your Dell system does not have the system password
feature enabled when you receive it.
NOTICE: Although passwords provide security for the data on your system, they are not foolproof. If your data requires more
security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.
NOTICE: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system password assigned, or if you leave your
computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on
your hard drive.
System Password settings in system setup:
l
Enabled — a system password is assigned
l Disabled — system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board
l Not Enabled — no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its default
setting)
Assigning a System Password
1. Verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight System Password and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to Enter Password, followed by an empty 32-character field in square brackets.
3. Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field. The password assignment
operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase characters. For
example, if you have an M in your password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
4. Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than 32 characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the option heading changes to
Verify Password, followed by another empty 32-character field in square brackets.
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Enabled. Your system password is now set; you can exit system setup and begin using your system.
Password protection takes effect when you reboot the system by pressing the reset button or by turning the system off and then on
again.
Using Your System Password
When you turn on your system or press the reset button, or when you reboot the system by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> combination, the
NOTE: You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these options is
displayed.
NOTE: You can only assign a system password when System Password is set to Not Enabled.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Tab> or the
<Shift><Tab> combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to
completing step 5.