Dell PowerEdge 850 - Manual (Page 14)

System and Setup Password Features
Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate your system only with system password
protection.
To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see " Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password "). If you forget your
password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the password jumper
setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. This procedure is described in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
Using the System Password
After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system. When the System Password option is set to Enabled,
the system prompts you for the system password after the system starts.
Assigning a System Password
Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the System Password option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Enabled. If the setting shown for the Password Status is
Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Status option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system
password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.
When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the
System Password option is Not Enabled and the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:
1. Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.
3. Type your new system 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.
4. Press <Enter>.
5. To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The setting shown for the System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.
6. Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.
To leave the password security enabled:
1. Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.
2. Press <Enter>.
3. Type your password and press <Enter>.
NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. If your data requires more security, use additional forms
of protection, such as data encryption programs.
NOTICE: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the system running and unattended without having a system password
assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to
completing step 5.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.
NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see " Using the Setup Password "), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system
password.