Dell PP04X Passwords, Using a Primary/System Password, Using an Administrator Password, Features

1 gold contact pad 2 smart card (top)

2.Slide the smart card into the smart card slot until the card is completely seated in its connector. The smart card protrudes approximately 1/2 inch from the slot. The smart card slot is located below the PC Card slot.

If you encounter too much resistance, do not force the card. Check the card orientation and try again.

Passwords

NOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.

A primary (or system) password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The following table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.

Type of	Features
Password

•Protects the computer from unauthorized access

Primary/System

	• Gives system administrators or service technicians access to
	computers for repair or reconfiguration
Administrator	• 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
	• Helps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if
Hard drive	one is being used) from unauthorized access

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.

If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see Contacting Dell). For your protection, Dell support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.

NOTE: Dell OpenManage™ Client Instrumentation version 7.3 or later must be installed on the computer for system administrators to assign passwords remotely.

Using a Primary/System Password

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

Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer.

If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.

NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.

If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.

Using an Administrator Password