Using A Primary (Or System) Password; Using An Administrator Password; Using A Hard Drive Password - Dell Latitude D630 XFR User Manual

When using passwords, observe the following guidelines:
Choose passwords that you can remember, but not ones that are easy to guess. For example, do not use the
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names of family members or pets for passwords.
· It is recommended that you do not write down passwords. If you do write it down, however, ensure that the
password is stored in a secure place.
Do not share passwords with other people.
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Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password(s).
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NOTE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not
foolproof. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data
encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator.
10.3.2

Using a Primary (or System) Password

The primary password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
When you first start your computer, you must assign a primary password at the prompt.
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
To add or change passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.
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.
10.3.3

Using an Administrator Password

The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for
repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of
computers, allowing you to assign a unique primary password.
To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.
When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in system setup. The
Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way that a primary password restricts
access to the computer.
The administrator password can be used instead of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the
primary password, you can enter the administrator password.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.
NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard
drive when a hard drive password is assigned.
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, contact your system administrator.
10.3.4

Using a Hard Drive Password

The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access.
To assign or change a hard drive password, enter system setup (see "
After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore
the computer to normal operation from standby mode.
If the hard drive password is enabled, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer: A message appears asking
for the hard drive password.
To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters) and press <Enter>.
If you do not enter a password within two minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
S ystem Setup Program").
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