Dell R805 System and Setup Password Features

Using the System Setup Program 59
System and Setup Password Features
NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on
your system. If your data requires more security, use additional forms of protection,
such as data encryption programs.
NOTICE: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the
system running and unattended without having a system password assigned or if
you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the password by
changing a jumper setting.
Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If
system security is a concern, operate your system only with system password
protection.
To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see
"Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password" on page61). If you
forget your password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in
the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the
password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing
passwords. This procedure is described in "Disabling a Forgotten Password" on
page174.
Using the System Password
After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have
full use of the system. When the System Password option is set to Enabled,
the system prompts you for the system password after the system starts.
Assigning a System Password
Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and
check the System Password option.
When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System
Passw ord option is Enabled. If the setting shown for the Password Status is
Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Status
option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system
password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is
Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.