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jumper setting that disables the system password
feature (see "Disabling a Forgotten Password" found
later in this chapter). Note that you erase the setup
password at the same time.
CAUTION: If you leave your system running and
unattended without having a system password
assigned, or if you leave your computer unlocked
so that someone can disable the password by
changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the
data stored on your hard-disk drive.
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter
the System Setup program and check the System
Password category.
When a system password is assigned, the option shown in
the System Password category is Enabled. When the
system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting
on the system board, the option shown is Disabled by
Jumper. You cannot change or enter a new system
password if either of these options is displayed.
When no system password is assigned and the password
jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its
default setting), the option shown for the System
Password category is Not Enabled. Only when this
category is set to Not Enabled can you assign a system
password, using the following procedure:
1.
Verify that the Password Status category is set to
Unlocked.
For instructions on changing the setting for
Password Status, see "Password Status" found
earlier in this chapter.
2.
Highlight the System Password category, and
then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The category heading changes to Enter Password,
followed by an empty seven-character field in square
brackets.
3.
Type your new system password.
You can use up to seven characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the <Spacebar>
for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
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Dell OptiPlex GXa Mini Tower Systems Reference and Installation Guide
The password assignment operation recognizes keys
by their location on the keyboard, without
distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase
characters. For example, if you have an M in your
password, the system recognizes either M or m as
correct.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter
one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
To erase a character when entering your password,
press the <Backspace> key or the left-arrow key.
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a
system password, press the <Tab> key or the
<Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another
field, or press the <Esc> key at any time prior to
completing step 5.
4.
Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than seven
characters, the whole field fills with placeholders.
Then the category heading changes to Verify
Password, followed by another empty seven-
character field in square brackets.
5.
To confirm your password, type it a second time
and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Enabled
system password is now set; you can exit the System
Setup program and begin using your system. Note,
however, that password protection does not take
effect until you reboot the system by pressing the
reset button or by turning the system off and then on
again.
Using Your System Password to Secure
Your System
Whenever you turn on your system, press the reset
button, or reboot the system by pressing the
<Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination, the following
prompt appears on the screen when the Password Status
category is set to Unlocked:
Type in the password and...
— press <ENTER> to leave password
security enabled.
— press <CTRL><ENTER> to disable password
security.
Enter password:
Your
.
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