jumper setting that disables the system password feature (see “Disabling a Forgotten Password” found later in this chapter). Note that you erase the setup password at the same time.
CAUTION: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system password assigned, or if you leave your computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone can access the data stored on your
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter the System Setup program and check the System Password category.
When a system password is assigned, the option shown in the System Password category is Enabled. When the system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the option shown is Disabled by Jumper. You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these options is displayed.
When no system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled position (its default setting), the option shown for the System Password category is Not Enabled. Only when this category is set to Not Enabled can you assign a system password, using the following procedure:
1.Verify that the Password Status category is set to Unlocked.
For instructions on changing the setting for Password Status, see “Password Status” found earlier in this chapter.
2.Highlight the System Password category, and then press the left- or
The category heading changes to Enter Password, followed by an empty
3.Type your new system password.
You can use up to seven characters in your password.
As you press each character key (or the <Spacebar> for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
The password assignment operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without distinguishing between lowercase and uppercase characters. For example, if you have an M in your password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
To erase a character when entering your password, press the <Backspace> key or the
NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press the <Tab> key or the <Shift><Tab> key combination to move to another field, or press the <Esc> key at any time prior to completing step 5.
4.Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than seven characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the category heading changes to Verify Password, followed by another empty seven- character field in square brackets.
5.To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.
The password setting changes to Enabled. Your system password is now set; you can exit the System Setup program and begin using your system. Note, however, that password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system by pressing the reset button or by turning the system off and then on again.
Using Your System Password to Secure Your System
Whenever you turn on your system, press the reset button, or reboot the system by pressing the <Ctrl><Alt><Del> key combination, the following prompt appears on the screen when the Password Status category is set to Unlocked:
Type in the password and...
—press <ENTER> to leave password security enabled.
—press <CTRL><ENTER> to disable password security.
Enter password:
