Compaq Compaq Evo Desktop, 177620-006 manual Password Security and Resetting Cmos

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Password Security and Resetting CMOS

This computer supports security password features, which can be established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu.

This computer supports two security password features that are established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu: setup password and power-on password. When you establish only a setup password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup. When you establish only a power-on password, the power-on password is required to access Computer Setup and any other information on the computer. When you establish both passwords, only the setup password will give you access to Computer Setup.

When both passwords are set, the setup password can also be used in place of the power-on password as an override to log into the computer. This is a useful feature for a network administrator.

If you forget the password for your computer, there are two methods for clearing that password so you may gain access to the information on the computer:

■Resetting the password jumper

■Using the Clear CMOS button

ÄCAUTION: Pushing the CMOS button will reset CMOS values to factory defaults and will erase any customized information including passwords, asset numbers, and special settings. It is important to back up the computer CMOS settings before resetting them in case they are needed later. Back up is easily done through Computer Setup. See the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide for information on backing up your CMOS settings.

Troubleshooting Guide B–1