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Note: A password can be any combination of up to 64 alphabetic and numeric characters. For more information, see “Password considerations” on page 38.
Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS)
This section provides instructions on how to erase lost or forgotten passwords, such as a user password.
To erase a lost or forgotten password, do the following:
1.Remove all media from the drives and turn off all attached devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.
2.Remove the computer cover. See “Removing the computer cover” on page 64.
3.Locate the Clear CMOS /Recovery jumper on the system board. See “Locating parts on the system board” on page 58.
4.Move the jumper from the standard position (pin 1 and pin 2) to the maintenance position (pin 2 and pin 3).
5.Reinstall the computer cover and connect the power cord. See “Completing the parts replacement” on page 104.
6.Turn on the computer and leave it on for approximately 10 seconds. Then, turn off the computer by holding the power switch for approximately five seconds.
7.Repeat step 1 through step 2.
8.Move the Clear CMOS /Recovery jumper back to the standard position (pin 1 and pin 2).
9.Reinstall the computer cover and connect the power cord. See “Completing the parts replacement” on page 104.
Enabling or disabling a device
This section provides information on how to enable or disable user access to the following devices:
USB Configuration | Use this option to enable or disable a USB connector. When a USB connector is |
| disabled, the device connected to the USB connector cannot be used. |
SATA Configuration | Use this option to enable or disable a SATA connector or an external SATA connector. |
To enable or disable a device, do the following:
1.Start the Setup Utility program. See “Starting the Setup Utility program” on page 37.
2.Depending on the device you want to enable or disable, do one of the following:
•From the Setup Utility program main menu, select Devices ➙ South Bridge ➙ USB Configuration to enable or disable a USB device.
•From the Setup Utility program main menu, select Advanced ➙ SATA Configuration to enable or disable an internal or external SATA device.
3.Select the desired settings and press Enter.
4.Press F10 to save changes and exit the Setup Utility program. See “Exiting the Setup Utility program” on page 41.
Selecting a startup device
If your computer does not start up from a device such as the disc or hard disk drive as expected, do one of the following to select the startup device you want.
Chapter 6. Using the Setup Utility program 39