Dell D420 specifications Trusted Platform Module TPM, Using a Primary/System Password

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Hard drive

Helps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if one is being used) from unauthorized access

NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive passwords.

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 (see Contacting Dell). For your protection, Dell support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.

Using a Primary/System Password

The primary (system) password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.

Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer.

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 primary password is also disabled.

If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary 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, while still allowing you to assign a unique primary password.

To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.

When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in the system setup program. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way that a primary password restricts access to the computer.

The administrator password can be used instead of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the administrator password.

NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is assigned.

If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password assigned but forget them both, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

Using a Hard Drive Password

The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for an external hard drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.

After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore the computer to normal operation from standby mode; a message appears asking for the hard drive password.

To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters) and press <Enter>. If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state. If you enter the wrong password, you receive a message stating that the password is invalid. Press <Enter> to try again.

If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the computer tries to start from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in the system setup program is set to allow start-up from another device. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow the computer to start from another device, the computer returns to the operating state it was in when you turned it on.

If the hard drive password, the external hard-drive password, and the primary password are the same, the computer prompts you only for the primary password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, the computer prompts you for both. Two different passwords provide greater security.

NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is assigned.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

NOTE: The TPM feature is not available in all regions.

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Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms Dell Latitude D420 Users GuideDevice status lights About Your ComputerFront View Keyboard and network status lights Fingerprint reader optionalRight View Audio connectorsLeft View Modem connector RJ-11 USB connectorsNetwork connector RJ-45 Video connectorBottom View Back to Contents Appendix Cleaning Your ComputerFCC Class B Macrovision Product NoticeFCC Notice U.S. Only Battery Performance Using a BatteryChecking the Battery Charge Dell QuickSet Battery MeterPower Management Modes Conserving Battery PowerLow-Battery Warning Standby ModeCharging the Battery Configuring Power Management SettingsReplacing the Battery Hibernate ModeStoring a Battery Installing a PC Card or 34-mm ExpressCard Using CardsCard Types Card BlanksInstalling a 34-mm Express Card Installing a Smart Card or Secure Digital SD CardInstalling a PC Card Removing a PC Card, 34-mm Express Card, or Blank Back to Contents Adjusting Brightness Using the DisplaySwitching the Video Image Setting Display Resolution and Refresh RateSwapping Primary and Secondary Displays What Are You Looking For? Find It Here Finding InformationGuides Service Tag and Microsoft Windows LicenseDell Support Website support.dell.com Select Drivers & Downloads and click GoOperating System CD Glossary Docking device See APR Device driver See driverPage Page NIC See network adapter Page System tray See notification area Video resolution See resolutionBack to Contents Getting Help Online ServicesObtaining Assistance Ftp.dell.comAutoTech Service Problems With Your OrderAutomated Order-Status Service Support ServiceBefore You Call Diagnostics ChecklistContacting Dell Antigua and BarbudaAustralia Sydney Aruba0011 Website support.euro.dell.comColombia China XiamenCosta Rica Czech Republic PragueCorporate France Paris MontpellierGermany Langen GreeceItaly Milan GeneralJamaica Website support.jp.dell.comWebsite support.ap.dell.com Malaysia Penang MacaoMexico MontserratSt. Kitts and Nevis Puerto RicoSt. Lucia St. Vincent002 Website support.ap.dell.com TaiwanWebsite support.ap.dell.com Thailand Trinidad/TobagoVenezuela Virgin IslandsKey Combinations Using the Keyboard and Touch PadNumeric Keypad Touch Pad Power ManagementFingerprint Reader optional Speaker FunctionsMouse Properties window Changing the Track-Stick CapCustomizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick Page Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem Setting Up a NetworkNetwork Setup Wizard Wireless Local Area Network WlanWhat You Need to Establish a Wlan Connection Checking Your Wireless Network CardSetting Up a New Wlan Determining the Wireless Network Device Manager Connecting to a Wireless Local Area NetworkEnabling/Disabling the Wireless Network Card Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network WwanConnecting to a Mobile Broadband Network Under Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System GuidesInternet Connection Firewall Dell Wi-Fi Catcher Network LocatorBefore You Begin Adding and Replacing PartsRecommended Tools Turning Off Your ComputerHard Drive Removing the Hard Drive Dismantling the Hard Drive Hinge Cover Replacing the Hard DriveMemory KeyboardPage Mini-Cards Wireless Local Area Network Wlan CardsMobile Broadband Wwan Cards Page Subscriber Identity Module SIM Card Coin-Cell Battery Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless TechnologyBack to Contents Dell QuickSet Passwords Using Smart CardsSecuring Your Computer Security Cable LockUsing an Administrator Password Using a Primary/System PasswordUsing a Hard Drive Password Trusted Platform Module TPMUsing the Security Management Software Enabling the TPM FeatureSecurity Management Software Activating the Security Management SoftwareIf Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen Computer Tracking SoftwareViewing the System Setup Screens System Setup ProgramSystem Setup Screens Commonly Used SettingsChanging COM Ports Performing a One-Time BootEnabling the Infrared Sensor Locate Fast IR under Onboard DevicesPage What Is a Driver? Reinstalling SoftwareReinstalling Drivers and Utilities DriversManually Reinstalling Drivers Using the Drivers and Utilities CDSoftware and Hardware Incompatibilities Click Start→ Help and SupportCreating a Restore Point Using Microsoft Windows XP System RestoreUndoing the Last System Restore Restoring Your Operating SystemEnabling System Restore Using the Operating System CDReinstalling Windows XP Before You BeginSpecifications Video CommunicationsAudio DisplayAC Adapter BatteryEnvironmental PhysicalAbbreviations and Acronyms Transferring Information to a New Computer Start the Files and Settings Transfer WizardClick Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Back to Contents Identifying Your Computer Traveling With Your ComputerPacking the Computer Travel TipsBack to Contents Dell Technical Update Service TroubleshootingDell Diagnostics When to Use the Dell DiagnosticsOption Function Dell Diagnostics Main MenuAccessing the Dell Support Utility Drive ProblemsDell Support Utility Clicking the Dell Support IconHard drive problems CD and DVD drive problemsProblems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive If you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding soundVerify that the modem is communicating with Windows Mail, Modem, and Internet ProblemsError Messages Page Click Start→ Control Panel→ Add or Remove Programs External Keyboard problems Ieee 1394 Device ProblemsKeyboard Problems Unexpected characters Lockups and Software ProblemsComputer does not start up Computer stops respondingNetwork Problems Memory ProblemsOther software problems Solid blue screen appearsWireless Local Area Network Wlan PC Card or ExpressCard ProblemsMobile Broadband Network Restart the computer and log on to the network againDocking Power Considerations Power ProblemsEnsuring Sufficient Power for Your Computer Scanner Problems Printer ProblemsAC Power Loss While the Computer Is Docked Docking While the Computer Is RunningTouch Pad or Mouse Problems Sound and Speaker ProblemsNo sound from headphones No sound from integrated speakersIf the display is difficult to read Video and Display ProblemsIf the display is blank If only part of the display is readable Adjust the Windows display settingsClick Start→ Control Panel→ Appearance and Themes Connect an external monitor
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