Dell Precision 390 - Manual (Page 4)

Password Protection
System Password
Option Settings
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of the following two options is displayed:
l Disabled — The system password is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign a system password when the following option is displayed:
l Set — A system password is assigned.
l Not Enabled — No system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (the default).
Assigning a System Password
To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Tab> or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at
any time before you complete step 5.
1. Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup ) and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight System Password, and then press <Enter>.
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 15 characters. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key. The password is not
case sensitive.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the cursor will not move.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
4. Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than 15 characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the option heading changes to Confirm Password,
followed by another empty 15-character field in square brackets.
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Set.
6. Exit system setup.
Password protection takes effect when you restart the computer.
NOTICE: Although passwords provide security for the data on your computer, 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 computer 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.