Dell 1525, 1526 If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen, Do not share your password with other people

•Do not share your password with other people.

•Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password.

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 data encryption programs.

Use the User Accounts option in the Control Panel in the Microsoft® Windows® operating system to create user accounts or to change passwords. Once you create a user password, you must enter it each time you turn on or unlock your computer. If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state. For more information, see your Windows documentation.

If you forget any of your hardware passwords, such as the hard drive and BIOS passwords, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 160). 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.

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

•Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your description of the computer. Ask that a case number be assigned and write down the number, along with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain the name of the investigating officer.

NOTE: If you know where the computer was lost or stolen, call a law enforcement agency in that area. If you do not know, call a law enforcement agency where you live.

•If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.

•Contact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the case number, and the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.

The Dell customer service representative will log your report under the computer Service Tag and record the computer as missing or stolen. If someone calls Dell for technical assistance and gives your Service Tag, the computer is identified automatically as missing or stolen. The representative will attempt to get the phone number and address of the caller. Dell will then contact the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer.

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Securing Your Computer