Passwords, About passwords, Using a primary password – Dell Latitude D510 User Manual
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Passwords
Using an Administrator Password
About Passwords
A primary password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The following
table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or
contact Dell
. For your protection, Dell technical support staff will ask you for proof of
your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can 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 (with no more than eight characters).
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
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
NOTE:
Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.
Type of Password
Features
Primary
l
Protects the computer from unauthorized
access
Administrator
l
Gives system administrators or service
technicians access to computers for repair or
reconfiguration
l
Allows you to restrict access to system setup in
the same way a primary password restricts
access to the computer
l
Can be used instead of the primary password
Hard drive
l
Helps protect the data on your hard drive or
external hard drive (if one is being used) from
unauthorized access
NOTE:
Only hard drives purchased from Dell for use with the Dell™ Latitude™ D
-Family computers support hard drive passwords.
NOTICE:
Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not foolproof. If you require more
security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs or PC Cards with encryption features.
NOTICE:
If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.