Using passwords

Most security features use passwords. Whenever you set a password, write down the password and store it in a secure location away from the computer. Note the following password considerations:

●Setup and power-on passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system BIOS.

●Windows passwords are set only in the Windows operating system.

●If you forget the setup password set in Computer Setup, you will not be able to access the utility.

●If you have the stringent security feature enabled in Computer Setup and you forget the setup password or the power-on password, the computer is inaccessible and can no longer be used.

●If you forget both the power-on password and the setup password set in Computer Setup, you cannot turn on the computer.

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

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.

The following tables list commonly used passwords and describe their functions.

Setting passwords in Windows

Windows passwords

Function

 

 

Administrator password

Protects access to a Windows administrator-level account.

 

 

User password

Protects access to a Windows user account.

 

 

Using a power-on password

The Computer Setup power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the computer. After this password is set, it must be entered each time the computer is turned on.

Note the following characteristics of a power-on password:

●It is not displayed as it is set, entered, changed, or deleted.

●It must be set and entered with the same keys. For example, a power-on password set with keyboard number keys will not be recognized if you enter it thereafter with embedded numeric keypad number keys.

●It can include any combination of up to 32 letters and numbers and is not case sensitive.

Using passwords 37