Back to Contents Page
Passwords
Dell™ Latitude™ D410 User's Guide
About Passwords
Using a System Password
Using an Administrator Password
Using a Hard Drive Password
Enabling Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
About Passwords
NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.
A system password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.
Type of Password Features
•Protects the computer from unauthorized access
System
| • Gives system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration | ||
Administrator | • Allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way a system password restricts access to the computer | ||
• | Can be used instead of the system password | ||
| |||
|
| ||
Hard drive | • Helps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if one is being used) from unauthorized access | ||
|
| ||
NOTE: Only hard drives purchased from Dell™ for use with the Dell Latitude™
NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not foolproof. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell. For your protection, Dell technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.
Using a System Password
The system password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
After assigning a system password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer. The following message appears each time you turn on the computer:
Please type in the system or administrator password and press <Enter>.
To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters).
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the system password is also disabled.
If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the system password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.
Using an Administrator Password
The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign the system password.
When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in system setup. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way that a system password restricts access to the computer.
The administrator password can be used instead of the system password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the system password, you can enter the administrator password.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the system password is also disabled.