Dell SC1425 technical specifications Assigning a System Password

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 Password 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.

When a system password is System Password option is

not assigned and the password jumper Not Enabled and the Password Status

on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:

1.Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.

2.Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.

3.Type your new system password.

You can use up to 32 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 is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.

NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to completing step 5.

4.Press <Enter>.

5.To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.

The setting shown for the System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.

6.Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.

NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.

Using Your System Password to Secure Your System

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password"), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.

When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.

To leave the password security enabled:

1.Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.

2.Press <Enter>.

3.Type your password and press <Enter>.

To disable the password security:

1.Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.

2.Press <Ctrl><Enter>.

When the Password Status option is set to Locked whenever you turn on your system or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, type your password and press <Enter> at the prompt.

After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.

If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful attempts and that the system has halted and will shut down. This message can alert you to an unauthorized person attempting to use your system.

Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until the correct password is entered.

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and Setup Password options to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.

Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password