Dell 2650 manual Using the Setup Password Feature, Disabling a Forgotten Password

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Using the Setup Password Feature

Your system is shipped to you without the setup password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, you should operate your system with the setup password feature enabled.

You can assign a setup password whenever you use the System Setup program. After a setup password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the System Setup program.

To change an existing setup password, you must know the setup password (see "Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password"). If you assign and later forget a setup password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until you open the system, change the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erase the existing passwords (see "Disabling a Forgotten Password").

Assigning a Setup Password

A setup password can be assigned (or changed) only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password option and press the + or - key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system emits a beep.

NOTE: The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the two passwords are different, the setup password can be used as an alternate system password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the setup password.

After you verify the password, the Setup Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you for the setup password.

A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not required).

Operating With a Setup Password Enabled

If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can modify the majority of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, the program prompts you to type the password.

If you do not enter the correct password in three tries, the system lets you view, but not modify, the System Setup screens—with the following exception. If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not locked via the Password Status option, you can assign a system password (however, you cannot disable or change an existing system password).

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.

Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password

1.Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.

2.Highlight the Setup Password option, press <Enter> to access the setup password window, and press <Enter> twice to clear the existing setup password.

The setting changes to Not Enabled.

3.If you want to assign a new setup password, perform the steps in "Assigning a Setup Password."

Disabling a Forgotten Password

The system's software security features include a system password and a setup password. The password jumper enables or disables these password features and clears any password(s) currently in use.

CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

1.Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.Remove the cover (see "Removing the Cover").

3.Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper.

See Figure 5-2 to locate the password jumper (labeled "PASSWD") on the system board.

4.Replace the cover (see "Replacing the Cover").

5.Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn on the system.

The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the password jumper plug removed. However, before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must install the jumper plug.

NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper plug still removed, the system disables the new password(s) the next time it boots.

6.Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

7.Remove the cover (see "Removing the Cover").

8.Install the jumper plug on the password jumper.

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Contents Initial release 24 Apr External Visual Inspection Initial User ContactInternal Visual Inspection Observing the Boot RoutineObtaining Technical Assistance Running the System DiagnosticsBack to Contents System-Status Indicators System Identification IndicatorsFront-Panel Indicators and Features Component Description Back-Panel Indicators and FeaturesPower-Button Indicator Codes Power Indicator CodesPower-Button Indicator Codes Power-Supply Indicator CodesHard-Drive Indicator Codes Power-Supply Indicator CodesHard-Drive Indicator Codes LCD Status Messages NIC Indicator CodesCooling Fan Indicator Codes LCD Status MessagesLine Causes Corrective Actions Message System Setup ProgramSee Memory Modules 10. System Messages Solving Problems Described by LCD Status MessagesSystem Messages Removing LCD Status MessagesSetup Program System Beep Codes 11. System Beep CodesCode Cause Corrective Action Support.dell.com Alert Messages Diagnostics MessagesSystem Board Features System FeaturesService Features Power Protection DevicesSupported Operating Systems Other Documents You May Need Technical SpecificationsEnvironmental PowerVideo PhysicalBack to Contents Jumpers-A General Explanation System Board JumpersJumpers System Board Connectors System Board Jumper SettingsJumper Setting Description Expansion-Card Riser-Board Components and PCI Buses Connector DescriptionScsi Backplane Board Components Scsi Backplane Board ConnectorsSystem Orientation Recommended ToolsReplacing the Bezel BezelSystem Cover Removing the BezelReplacing the Cover Inside the SystemReplacing the Control-Panel Cable Cover Control-Panel Cable CoverFront-Panel I/O Board Removing the Control-Panel Cable CoverControl Panel Replacing the Front-Panel I/O BoardRemoving the Control Panel System Fans Replacing the Control PanelRemoving a Cooling Fan System-Fan Bracket Replacing a Cooling FanRemoving the System-Fan Bracket Power Supplies Removing a Power SupplyReplacing the System-Fan Bracket Replacing a Power Supply Expansion-Card CageRemoving the Expansion-Card Cage PCI Bus Scan Order Expansion Card Installation GuidelinesExpansion Cards Replacing the Expansion-Card CageRemoving an Expansion Card Installing an Expansion CardRemoving the Expansion-Card Riser Board Expansion-Card Riser BoardMemory Modules Memory Upgrade KitsMemory Module Installation Guidelines Sample Memory Module ConfigurationsPerforming a Memory Upgrade Installing Memory ModulesTotal Desired Replacing the CD/Diskette Drive Tray CD and Diskettes DrivesRemoving Memory Modules Removing the CD/Diskette Drive TrayReplacing the CD and Diskette Drives on the Tray Removing the CD and Diskette Drives From the TrayReplacing the CD/Diskette Drive Cable Removing the CD/Diskette Drive CableScsi Configuration Information External Scsi Tape DriveHard Drives Removing a Hard Drive Installing a Hard DriveActivating the Integrated RAID Controller Installing a Hard Drive on a CarrierIntegrated RAID Controller Removing a Hard Drive From Its Carrier20. Installing the RAID Controller Memory Module RAID Controller Card Installing a RAID Controller CardInstalling the Scsi Backplane Daughter Card Scsi Backplane Daughter CardRemoving the Scsi Backplane Daughter Card Scsi Backplane Board Removing the Scsi Backplane BoardReplacing the Scsi Backplane Board Removing the System Board Tray System Board TrayRemoving the System Board Tray Levers System Board Tray LeversMicroprocessors Replacing the System Board TrayAdding or Replacing a Microprocessor 27. Removing and Installing the Heat Sink28. Removing and Installing the Microprocessor Replacing the System Battery System BatteryRemoving the System Board System BoardReplacing the System Board System Setup Navigation Keys Entering the System Setup ProgramResponding to Error Messages Using the System Setup ProgramMain Screen System Setup OptionsSystem Security Screen Boot Sequence ScreenHard-Disk Drive Sequence Screen Integrated Devices ScreenExit Screen Using the System Password FeatureAssigning a System Password Console Redirection ScreenDeleting or Changing an Existing System Password Using Your System Password to Secure Your SystemOperating With a Setup Password Enabled Using the Setup Password FeatureDisabling a Forgotten Password Assigning a Setup PasswordBack to Contents Back to Contents