Dell PowerEdge NM176 Hardware Owner's Manual page 46

When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the
system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the
System Password option is Not Enabled and the Password Status field is
Unlocked. To assign a system password:
1 Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.
2 Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.
3 Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a
placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key
combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the
system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press
<Backspace> or the left-arrow key.
NOTE:
<Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to
completing step 5.
4 Press <Enter>.
5 To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The setting shown for the System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the
System Setup program and begin using your system.
6 Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect
or continue working.
NOTE:
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
NOTE:
If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password" on
page 48), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system
password.
When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to
leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.
46
Using the System Setup Program
To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press
Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.