Dell Precision M40 - Manual (Page 60)

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Passwords and Security: Dell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M40 User's Guide
About Passwords
A primary password prevents unauthorized access to the computer at start-up. An administrator password can be used in place of the primary
password. A hard drive password helps prevent the unauthorized access of data on the drive, even when the device is placed into another
computer.
If you forget any of your passwords, call Dell . For your protection, Dell ’s technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to make sure
that an unauthorized person is not trying to use the computer.
Using a Primary Password
The primary password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer. The following message appears each time you turn on
the computer:
Please type in the primary or administrator password and press <Enter>.
To continue, enter your password (maximum eight characters).
If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you
for the administrator password.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
Using an Administrator Password
The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians in large companies access to computers for repair
or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers as they are unpacked
and configured, leaving the primary password free to be assigned by the user.
When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in the system setup program . The Configure Setup
option allows you to restrict access to the system setup program in the same way a system password restricts access to the system.
The administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can
enter the administrator password instead.
If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator
password assigned but forget them both,
call Dell .
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
Using a Hard Drive Password
The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for the modular
About Passwords Using a Hard Drive Password
Using a Primary Password Assigning an Asset Tag
Using an Administrator Password Using a Security Cable Slot
NOTE: All three passwords are disabled when you receive your computer. You need to assign those passwords if you require password
security for your computer. Some companies may assign any or all of these passwords before distributing the computer.
NOTICE: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not
foolproof. If your data requires more security, you should obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption
programs or PC Cards with encryption features.
NOTE: If no password is entered within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.
NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the system, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when it is protected
by a password.