Dell PowerEdge M820 (for PE VRTX) - Manual (Page 22)

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 that the system has halted and will shut down.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until the
correct password is entered.
NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and Setup
Password options to protect your system from unauthorized changes.
Deleting or changing an existing system and/or setup password
Ensure that the Password jumper is set to enabled and the Password Status is set to Unlocked before
attempting to delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change
an existing System or Setup password if the Password Status is Locked.
1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or restart.
2. In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.
The System BIOS screen is displayed.
3. In the System BIOS Screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.
The System Security screen is displayed.
4. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
5. Select System Password, alter or delete the existing system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.
6. Select Setup Password, alter or delete the existing setup password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, a message prompts you to re-enter
the new password. If you delete the System and/or Setup password, a message prompts you to
confirm the deletion.
7. Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again, and a message prompts you to
save the changes.
Operating with a setup password enabled
If Setup Password is Enabled, enter the correct setup password before modifying most of the System
Setup options.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the message
Invalid Password! Number of unsuccessful password attempts: <x> System Halted!
Must power down.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct
password is entered. The following options are exceptions:
• If System Password is not Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can
assign a system password.
• You cannot disable or change an existing system password.
NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to
protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
22