Compaq M300 manual Using a Power-On Password, 11-2Securing the Computer

11-2Securing the Computer

Using a Power-On Password

A power-on password

■Prevents unauthorized use of the computer. Once set, it must be entered each time the computer is turned on or restored from Hibernation.

■Enables you to use Quick Controls.

■Can be up to seven alphanumeric characters, is not case sensitive, and can be the same as any other seven-character password.

■Must be set and entered with the same keys. For example, a password set with keyboard number keys will not be recognized if you enter it with embedded keypad number keys.

Setting, Changing, or Deleting a Power-On Password

1.Turn on or restart the computer, then press F10 when the blinking cursor appears upper-right on the screen.

■To change the language, press F2.

■For navigation instructions, press F1.

2.Select Security⊕Power-on Password, then press Enter. Then,

■To set a power-onpassword—Type the password in the New Password field, then in the Verify New Password field, press F10.

■To change a power-onpassword—Type the current password in the Old Password field, then type the new password in the New Password and Verify New Password fields, then press F10.

■To delete a power-onpassword—Type the current password in the old Password field, then press F10.

3.To save your preferences, close Computer Setup, and restart the computer, select File⊕Save Changes and Exit, then press Enter.