Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference Manual page 94

Passwords and Security: Dell Inspiron 3800 System Reference
[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-disk drive password, the modular hard-disk drive
password, and the primary password are the same, you are prompted only for
the primary password. If the hard-disk 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 system, but it does not
provide access to the hard-disk drive when it is protected by a password.
Physically Securing the Computer and the Hard-Disk Drive
To prevent unauthorized removal of the computer, you can use a security cable to attach the
computer to an immovable object. Your computer has two security cable slots: One security
cable slot is located between the speaker and the hard-disk drive. (See
Overview.") The other security cable slot is located between the TV-out S-video connector and
the fan's air intake. (See
Description of Security Cable Slots
The security cable slots allow you to attach a commercially available antitheft device to the
computer. Antitheft devices for portable computers usually include a segment of metal-stranded
cable with an attached locking device and associated key.
When your computer is installed in an advanced port replicator (APR), use the security cable
slot located between the TV-out S-video connector and the fan's air intake to secure your
computer.
You can use either security cable slot to secure your computer when it is not docked to an
APR. However, to lock your computer and prevent unauthorized removal of the hard-disk drive,
insert the locking device into the security cable slot located between the hard-disk drive and the
speaker, and lock the device with its associated key.
Basic Instructions for Using Security Cable Slots
file:///F|/Service%20Manuals/Dell/Inspiron/3800/password.htm (4 of 7) [2/28/2004 6:58:59 AM]
Figure 2 in "Technical Overview.")
Figure 1 in "Technical