Dell PowerEdge 2970 - Manual (Page 48)

48
Using the System Setup Program
Using the Setup Password
Assigning a Setup Password
You can assign (or change) a setup password only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled.
To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password option and press the <+> or <–> key. The
system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system
beeps.
NOTE:
The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the two passwords are different, the setup
password can be used as an alternate system password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of
the setup 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.
After you verify the password, the Setup Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter
the System Setup program, the system prompts you for the setup password.
A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not
required).
Operating With a Setup Password Enabled
If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can modify
most of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, the program prompts you
to enter a password.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets you view, but not modify, the
System Setup screens—with the following exception: If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not
locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a system password (however, 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.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password
1 Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.
2 Highlight the Setup Password option, press <Enter> to access the setup password window, and press
<Enter> twice to clear the existing setup password.
The setting changes to Not Enabled.
3 If you want to assign a new setup password, perform the steps in "Assigning a Setup Password" on
page 48.