Dell Latitude D820 Technical Manual page 42

Type of
Features
Password
Primary/System
Administrator
Hard drive
NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive passwords.
NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive.
However, they are not foolproof. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of
protection, such as smart cards, data encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see
Dell). For your protection, Dell support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure that only an
authorized person can use the computer.
NOTE: Dell OpenManage™ Client Instrumentation version 7.3 or later must be installed on the
computer for system administrators to assign passwords remotely.
Using a Primary/System Password
The primary (system) password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change
passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your
computer.
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
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.
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 a unique primary password.
To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.
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 system setup in
the same way that a primary password restricts access to the computer.
•
Protects the computer from unauthorized access
•
Gives system administrators or service technicians access to computers
for repair or reconfiguration
•
Allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way a primary
password restricts access to the computer
•
Can be used instead of the primary password
•
Helps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if one is
being used) from unauthorized access
Contacting