Dell OptiPlex GX300 User Guide - Page 69

1 Security cable slot 2 Padlock ring Using the System Password Feature NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. However, 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. Your Dell 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. You can assign a system password, as described in "Assigning a System Password", whenever you use System Setup. After a system password is assigned, only those who know the 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. See "Using Your System Password to Secure Your System" for more information. To change an existing system password, you must know the password (see "Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password"). If you assign and later forget a system password, you must remove the computer cover to change a jumper setting that disables the system password feature (see "Disabling a Forgotten Password"). 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 System Setup and check the System Password option. When a system password is assigned, the setting shown in System Password is Enabled. When the system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the setting shown is Disabled. You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these options is displayed. When no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its default setting), the option shown for the System Password option 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. 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 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 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.