Using passwords

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwords can be set in Windows or in the non-Windows Setup Utility preinstalled on the computer.

CAUTION: To prevent being locked out of the computer, record each password you set. Because most passwords are not displayed as they are set, changed, or deleted, it is essential to record each password immediately and store it in a secure place.

You can use the same password for a Setup Utility feature and for a Windows security feature. You can also use the same password for more than one Setup Utility feature.

Use the following guidelines when setting a password in Setup Utility:

●A password can be any combination of up to 8 letters and numbers and is case sensitive.

●A password set in Setup Utility must be entered at a Setup Utility prompt. A password set in Windows must be entered at a Windows prompt.

Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:

●When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.

●Write down your passwords and store them in a secure place away from the computer.

●Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.

●Do not use your name or other personal information that could be easily discovered by an outsider.

The following sections list Windows and Setup Utility passwords and describe their functions. For additional information about Windows passwords, such as screen-saver passwords, select Start > Help and Support.

Setting passwords in Windows

Password

Function

 

 

Administrator password

Protects administrator-level access to computer contents.

 

NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility

 

contents.

 

 

User password

Protects access to a Windows user account. It also protects

 

access to the computer contents and must be entered when

 

you exit Sleep or Hibernation.

 

 

QuickLock

Protects the computer by requiring a password to be entered

 

in the Windows Log On dialog box before you access the

 

computer. After you set a user or administrator password,

 

follow these steps:

 

1.

Initiate QuickLock by pressing the QuickLock key.

 

2.

Exit QuickLock by entering your Windows user or

 

 

administrator password.

 

 

 

76 Chapter 9 Security