Dell Precision 420 - Manual (Page 132)

password have full use of the system.
When System Password is set to Enabled, the computer system prompts you for the system password just after the system boots.
To change an existing system password , you must either know the password or have access to the inside of the computer.
If you assign and later forget a system password, you need your computer key to get inside the chassis, where you can change a jumper setting to
disable the system password feature. Note that you erase the setup password at the same time.
NOTICE: If you leave your system 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-disk drive.
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter the System Setup program and check the System Password status.
With a system password assigned, the status shown in System Password is Enabled. With the system password feature disabled by a jumper
setting on the system board, the status shown is Disabled By Jumper. You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these
settings is displayed.
With no system password assigned and with the password jumper on the system board in the enabled position (its default), the status shown for
System Password is Not Enabled. Only when System Password is set to Not Enabled can you assign a system password, using the
following procedure:
1. Verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
For instructions on changing the setting for Password Status, see " Password Status ."
2. Press the left- or right-arrow key.
The heading changes to Enter Password, followed by an empty seven-character field in square brackets.
3. Type the new system password.
You can use up to seven characters in the password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without distinguishing between lowercase and
uppercase characters. For example, if you have an M in your password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
To erase a character when you enter your password, press the <Backspace> key or the left-arrow key.
4. Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than seven characters, the field fills with placeholders. Then the heading changes to Verify Password,
followed by another empty seven-character field in square brackets.
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Enabled. Your system password is now set; you can exit the System Setup program and begin using your
system. Note, however, that password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system by pressing the reset button or by turning
the system off and then on again.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
Whenever you turn on your system, press the reset button, or reboot the system by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination, the following
prompt appears on the screen when Password Status is set to Unlocked:
Type in the password and...
- press <ENTER> to leave password security enabled.
- press <CTRL><ENTER> to disable password security.
Enter password:
If Password Status is set to Locked, the following prompt appears:
Type the password and press <Enter>.
After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system boots and you can use the keyboard to operate your system as usual.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press the <Tab> key or the <Shift><Tab> key combination
to move the highlight to another field or press the <Esc> key at any time prior to completing step 5.