Appendix B - Hewlett-Packard Password Removal Policy - HP OMNIBOOK 5500 Service Manual

Appendix B - Hewlett-Packard Password
Removal Policy
If the user forgets the system password, there is a master password that will
unlock the OmniBook. The user calls Technical Support to determine this
master password as follows:
1. Support will tell the user the keys to type at the password entry screen:
[alt][shft][f10]
2. The OmniBook generates and displays an encoded master password.
This is displayed under the normal password entry area. At this point, this
is the only password that will unlock the OmniBook unless the user
presses [ESC] to remove the encoded master from the password entry
screen. Then the user's stored password can be entered.
3. The user reads the encoded master password to Support.
4. Support runs a program that decodes the encoded password, and reads
the decoded password (alphanumeric) to the user.
5. The user types in the decoded password.
6. OmniBook decodes the encoded master password it generated and
compares it to the decoded password typed in by the user.
7. If the two passwords match, the OmniBook is unlocked. The forgotten
password is automatically erased. Support can then guide the user
through the process of entering a new password.
8. If the two passwords do not match, the previous sequence must be
repeated until the user correctly enters a master password.
The encoded master password is an eight-character alphanumeric sequence
that the OmniBook generates at random every time the appropriate keys are
pressed in the password entry screen. Because it is generated randomly, a
master password can only be used to unlock the OmniBook once. If the user
forgets the password at another time, it will require another call to Support. (If
the user presses the appropriate keys by mistake, pressing [ESC] will allow
entering the stored password.)
The password descramble programs for the HP OmniBook Notebook PCs are
protected as HP Company Private information. They may not be copied,
backed-up, printed or distributed. There are only six official copies of each
program.
In addition to the program being protected, its use is also controlled. Hewlett-
Packard and authorized support providers must ensure with written evidence
that the OmniBook that is being "descrambled" is actually in the hands of the
unit's actual and current owner. This requires a sales receipt showing the unit
serial number and owner's name, or a written statement from the owner
attesting that he or she is the owner of the unit. The statement can be a fax
copy of the document. The fact that the unit is in the hands of an HP
representative on behalf of the customer is not evidence of ownership. In
addition, HP will not descramble a unit for any non-owner, even if it involves
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