Compaq Armada 1700 Reference Manual page 120

To change your power-on password:
1. Turn on the computer.
2. When the password prompt is displayed, enter your current
password, then enter the new password twice, typing the
appropriate syntax for your computer keyboard between the
passwords. For example, if you have a Belgian keyboard, type
the following:
current password=new password=new password
characters you type do not appear on the screen
The new password takes effect the next time you turn on the
computer, or resume from Suspend, Hibernation, or
QuickLock/QuickBlank.
Once your power-on password has been established, you can
delete it using your computer keyboard. Each computer keyboard
is designed to meet specific country requirements. The syntax for
changing the password varies according to the keyboard
purchased with your computer. When you wish to change or
delete your password, you may have to substitute another key
character for the slash mark (/). To determine which character is
appropriate for your keyboard, refer to the table in "Changing the
Power-On Password."
To delete your power-on password:
1. Turn on the computer. The power-on password prompt is
displayed.
2. Enter your current power-on password followed by the
appropriate syntax for your computer keyboard. For example,
if you have a Belgian keyboard, type the following:
current password=
characters you type do not appear on the screen.
3. The password is deleted.
Type carefully. For security reasons, the
Type carefully. For security reasons, the