Dell OptiPlex GXi Reference and Installation Guide (.pdf) - Page 41

CAUTION: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system password assigned or 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 category. When a system password is assigned, the option shown in the SYSTEM PASSWORD category is ENABLED. When the system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the option shown is DISABLED BY JUMPER. 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 category is NOT ENABLED. Only when this category is set to NOT ENABLED can you assign a system password, using the following procedure: 1. Verify that the PASSWORD STATUS category is set to UNLOCKED. For instructions on changing the setting for PASSWORD STATUS, see "Password Status" found earlier in this chapter. 2. Highlight the SYSTEM PASSWORD category, and then press the left- or right-arrow key. The category heading changes to ENTER PASSWORD, followed by an empty seven-character field in square brackets. 3. Type in your new system password. You can use up to seven characters in your password. As you press each character key (or the 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 entering your password, press the key or the left-arrow key. NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press the key or the key combination to move to another field, or press the key at any time prior to completing step 5. 4. Press . If the new system password is less than seven characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the category heading changes to VERIFY PASSWORD, followed by another empty seven-character field in square brackets. 5. To confirm your password, type it in a second time and press . 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 your system on, press the reset button, or reboot the system by pressing the key combination, the following prompt appears on the screen: Type in the password and ... - press to leave password security enabled. - press to disable password security. Enter password: After you type the correct system password and press , your system boots and you can use the keyboard to operate your system as usual. NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password Feature" found later in this chapter), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password. Using the System Setup Program 2-11