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 operating system or in Computer Setup that is preinstalled on the computer.

NOTE: To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure place.

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

 

 

Administrator password*

● Protects access to Computer Setup.

 

● After this password is set, it must be entered each time

 

you access Computer Setup.

 

CAUTION: If you forget your administrator password, you

 

cannot access Computer Setup.

 

NOTE: The administrator password can be used in place of

 

the power-on password.

 

NOTE: Your administrator password is not displayed as it

 

is set, entered, changed, or deleted.

 

NOTE: If you enter the power-on password at the first

 

password check before the “Press the ESC key for Startup

 

Menu” message is displayed, you must enter the

 

administrator password to access Computer Setup.

 

 

Power-on password*

● Protects access to the computer contents.

 

● After this password is set, it must be entered each time

 

you turn on or restart the computer, or exit Hibernation.

 

CAUTION: If you forget your power-on password, you

 

cannot turn on or restart the computer, or exit Hibernation.

 

NOTE: The administrator password can be used in place of

 

the power-on password.

 

NOTE: A power-on password is not displayed as it is set,

 

entered, changed, or deleted.

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

Using passwords 67