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 the Computer Setup utility that is preinstalled on the computer.

●Setup and DriveLock passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system BIOS.

●If you forget both the DriveLock user password and the DriveLock master password set in Computer Setup, the hard drive that is protected by the passwords is permanently locked and can no longer be used.

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 the operating system

Operating system passwords

Function

 

 

Root password

Protects access to an operating system root-level account.

 

 

User password

Protects access to an operating system user account.

 

 

Setting passwords in Computer Setup

Computer Setup passwords

Function

 

 

BIOS administrator password*

Protects access to Computer Setup.

 

 

DriveLock master password*

Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected by

 

DriveLock. It is also used to remove DriveLock protection.

 

This password is set under DriveLock Passwords during the

 

enable process.

 

 

DriveLock user password*

Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected by

 

DriveLock, and is set under DriveLock Passwords during the

 

enable process.

TPM embedded security password (select models only)

When enabled as a BIOS administrator password, protects access to the computer contents when the computer turns on, restarts, or exits Hibernation.

This password requires the optional embedded security chip to support this security feature.

*For details about each of these passwords, see the following topics.

Using passwords 71