Dell Latitude C840 User Guide - Page 71

Passwords About Passwords Using a Primary Password Using an Administrator Password Using a Hard Drive Password Assigning an Asset Tag About Passwords NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer. A primary password prevents unauthorized access to the computer at start-up. An administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. A hard drive password helps prevent the unauthorized access of data on the drive, even when the drive is placed into another computer. NOTICE: The passwords provide a high level of security for the data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not foolproof. If you require more security, you should obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs or PC Cards with encryption features. If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or call 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. NOTE: If you experience problems using a password, ensure that the numeric keypad is disabled. 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 . To continue, enter your password (maximum eight characters). If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous 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 administrator password. NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled. Using an Administrator Password The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign the primary password. When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in the system setup program. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to the system setup program in the same way a system password restricts access to the computer. The administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the