Dell Inspiron 3700 Reference Manual page 82

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Passwords and Security: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3700 System Reference
About Passwords
Using a Primary Password
Using an Administrator Password
About Passwords
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-disk drive password helps prevent the unauthorized access of data on the hard-disk drive, even when the device is placed into
another computer.
NOTES: All three passwords are disabled when you receive your computer. You need to assign those passwords if you
require password security for your computer. Some companies may assign any or all of these passwords before
distributing the computer.
If you are using the Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system, use the System Setup program to assign all passwords.
NOTICE: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in your computer or hard-disk drive.
However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires 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, call Dell. For your protection, Dell's technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to make sure
that an unauthorized person is not trying to use the computer.
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 <Enter>.
To continue, type your password and press <Enter>.
NOTE: If no password is entered 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 in large companies access to computers for repair
or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers as they are unpacked
and configured, leaving the primary password free to be assigned by the user.
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 system.
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 administrator password instead.
NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the system, but it does not provide access to the hard-disk drive
when it is protected by a password.
If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator
password assigned but forget them both, call Dell.
Using a Hard-Disk Drive Password
Physically Securing the Computer and the Hard-Disk Drive
Asset Tag Utility