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8
Password security and resetting CMOS
This computer supports security password features, which can be established through the Computer Setup
Utilities menu.
This computer supports two security password features that are established through the Computer Setup
Utilities menu: administrator password and power-on password. When you establish only an administrator
password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup. When you establish
only a power-on password, the power-on password is required to access Computer Setup and any other
information on the computer. When you establish both passwords, only the administrator password will give you
access to Computer Setup.
When both passwords are set, the administrator password can also be used in place of the power-on password
as an override to log in to the computer. This feature is useful for a network administrator.
If you forget one or both passwords, you can clear all passwords by turning off the system, opening the cover,
temporarily removing the PSWD jumper, and booting once. This action erases the administrator and power-on
passwords. You must restore the jumper to create new passwords.
IMPORTANT:
be useful to back up the BIOS settings or save them as custom defaults before resetting them in case they are
needed later. Back up can be performed in Computer Setup or using the BiosConfigUtility tool available from
www.hp.com. See
Resetting the password jumper
IMPORTANT:
or the power-on password, the computer is inaccessible and can no longer be used.
Enabling the stringent password disables the ability to reset the password by moving the jumper on the system
board.
If you lose or forget the password, the system board must be replaced. This scenario is not covered under
warranty.
To prevent the computer from becoming permanently unusable, record your configured setup password or
power-on password in a safe place away from your computer. Without these passwords, the computer cannot be
unlocked.
To disable the power-on or setup password features, or to clear the power-on or setup passwords, complete the
following steps:
76
Chapter 8 Password security and resetting CMOS
Pushing the CMOS button with power removed resets the BIOS settings to factory defaults. It can
Computer Setup (F10) Utility on page 56
If you enable the stringent security feature in Computer Setup and you forget the setup password
for information on backing up the BIOS settings.
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