Dell PowerEdge SC 420 - Manual (Page 15)

Table 3-10. POST Behavior Options
Password Features
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 "). 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 the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
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, 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 Set. 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.
When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the
System Password option is Not Set and the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:
1. Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.
3. Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system
beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
Option Description
Load
Defaults Allows you to restore all System Setup options to their factory defaults.
Event Log Allows you to view the Event Log. Entries are marked R for Read and U for Unread. Mark All Entries Read puts an R to the left of all the
entries. Clear Log clears the Event Log.
Option Description
Fast Boot
(On default)
When enabled, this feature reduces system startup time by bypassing some compatibility steps. Off does not skip any steps during
system startup. On starts the system more quickly.
Numlock Key
(On default)
Determines the functionality of the numeric keys on the right side of your keyboard. Off commands the right keypad keys to function
as arrows. On commands the right keypad keys to function as numbers.
POST Hotkeys
(Setup and Boot Menu
default)
Determines whether the sign-on screen displays a message stating the keystroke sequence that is required to enter the Setup
program or the Quickboot feature. Setup & Boot Menu displays both messages
(F2=Setup and F12=Boot Menu). Setup displays the setup message only (F2=Setup). Boot Menu displays the Quickboot message
only (F12=Boot Menu). None displays no message.
Keyboard Errors
(Report default)
When set to Report (enabled) and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will display the error message and prompt you to
press <F1> to continue or press <F2> to enter System Setup.
When set to Do Not Report (disabled) and an error is detected during POST, the BIOS will display the error message and continue
booting the system.
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.