Dell OptiPlex 160L - Manual (Page 12)

Security Cable Slot
Attach a commercially available antitheft device to the security cable slot on the back of the computer.
Antitheft devices usually include a segment of metal-stranded cable with an attached locking device and key. Dell recommends that you use a
Kensington lock. The documentation that comes with the device contains instructions for installing it.
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 Enabled — A system password is assigned.
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 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 and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight System Password, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
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 32 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 speaker emits a beep.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
4. Press <Enter>.
NOTE: Before you purchase an antitheft device, make sure that it works with the security cable slot on your 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.