Vital Product Data; Management Information Format (Mif) - IBM 2254 Hardware Maintenance Manual

Administrator password
The administrator password is used to restrict access to the Configuration/Setup
Utility program. If the administrator password is activated, and you do not enter the
administrator password, the configuration can be viewed but not changed.
Administrator password control
The Administrator password is set in the Setup Configuration. Refer to "Setup Utility
program" on page 10.
Operating system password
An operating system password is very similar to a power-on password and denies
access to the computer by an unauthorized user when the password is activated. The
computer is unusable until the password is entered and recognized by the computer.

Vital product data

Each computer has a unique Vital Product Data (VPD) code stored in the nonvolatile
memory on the system board. After you replace the system board, the VPD must be
updated. To update the VPD, see "Flash (BIOS/VPD) update procedure" on page 194.

Management Information Format (MIF)

Management Information Format (MIF) is a file used to maintain a list of the system
unit serial number along with all serialized components (for example, system board,
riser card, memory, and processor).
At the time of computer manufacture, the EPROM will be loaded with the serial
numbers of the system and all major components. The customer will have access to
the MIF file via the DMI MIF Browser that is installed with the preload and is also
available on the SSCD that is provided with the system.
A company called Retain-a-Group is a central data warehouse offering serial number
data management. Retain-a-Group acts as a focal point to law enforcement. The
customer has the option to purchase serial number information and services from
Retain-a-Group. It is the customer's responsibility to maintain the MIF file and to
inform Retain-a-Group of any changes to the file.
Some customers may request their servicers to assist them in maintaining the MIF file
when serialized components are replaced during hardware service. This assistance is
between the customer and the servicer. The servicer can use the DMI MIF Browser to
update the MIF information in the EPROM. It is anticipated that some servicers might
charge for this service.
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IBM : Hardware Maintenance Manual
Note:
Types 2254, 2256, 2257, 6336, 6337, 6339, 6341, 6342, 6346, 6347, 6438 have Enhanced Security
Mode. If Enhanced Security mode is enabled and there is no password given, the computer
will act as if Enhanced Security is disabled.
If Enhanced Security is Enabled and an administrator password is given, the administrator
password must be entered to use the computer. If the administrator password is lost or
forgotten, the system board in the computer must be replaced in order to regain access to the
Configuration/Setup Utility program.