A primary (or system) password and an administrator password 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

 

 

Primary (or system)

• Protects the computer from unauthorized access

Administrator

• Gives system administrators or service technicians

 

access to computers for repair or reconfiguration

 

• Allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same

 

way a primary password restricts access to the computer

 

• Can be used instead of the primary password

 

 

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.

When using passwords, observe the following guidelines:

Choose passwords that you can remember, but not ones that are easy to guess. For example, do not use the names of family members or pets for passwords.

It is recommended that you do not write down passwords. If you do write it down, however, ensure that the password is stored in a secure place.

Do not share passwords with other people.

Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password(s).

If you forget any of your passwords, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 129). 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 Primary (or System) Password

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

When you first start your computer, you must assign a primary password at the prompt.

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Securing Your Computer

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Dell 1200 owner manual Using a Primary or System Password, Type of Password Features