Dell Precision M40 User Manual page 61

hard drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.
NOTE: Only hard drives purchased from Dell for use with the Dell Precision Mobile Workstation M40 computer support the hard drive
password option.
After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you resume normal operation from
suspend mode or standby mode.
If the hard drive password is enabled, the following message appears each time you turn on the computer:
Please type in the hard-disk drive password and press <Enter>.
To continue, enter your password (maximum eight characters). Press <Esc> to return the computer to its previous state—suspend or standby
mode.
NOTE: If no password is entered within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.
If you enter the wrong password, the following message appears:
Invalid password
[Press Enter to retry]
If the correct password is not entered in three attempts, the computer tries to boot from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in
the system setup program is set to allow it. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow booting from another device, the computer returns to
the state it was in when you turned it on—standby mode.
NOTES: If the hard drive password, the modular hard drive password, and the primary password are the same, you are prompted only
for the primary password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, you are prompted for both. Two different
passwords provide greater security.
The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to a hard drive that is protected by a
password.
Assigning an Asset Tag
The Asset Tag utility allows you to enter an asset tag number that you or your company assigns to the computer. The default system setup screens
do not show the asset tag number unless you enter one by using this utility.
You can also use the Asset Tag utility to enter an owner tag that appears in the system log-on screen and with the primary password prompt.
Viewing Existing Asset Tag and Service Numbers
1. Boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD.
2. Type cd c:\Dell\Util and press <Enter>.
3. Type asset and press <Enter>.
Assigning an Asset Tag Number
An asset tag number can have up to ten characters; any combination of characters excluding spaces is valid.
1. Boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD.
2. Type cd c:\Dell\Util and press <Enter>.
3. Type asset and a space followed by the new number, and press <Enter>.
For example, type the following command line and press <Enter>:
asset 1234$ABCD&
4. When the system prompts you to verify the asset tag number, type y and press <Enter>.
The system displays the new or modified asset tag number and the service tag number.
Deleting an Asset Tag Number
1. Boot the computer from a bootable floppy disk or CD.
2. Type cd c:\Dell\Util and press <Enter>.
3. Type asset /d and press <Enter>.