Lenovo 9486 Starting the Setup Utility program, Viewing and changing settings, Using passwords

Chapter 6. Using the Setup Utility

The Setup Utility program is used to view and change the configuration settings of your computer, regardless of which operating system you are using. However, the operating-system settings might override any similar settings in the Setup Utility program.

Starting the Setup Utility program

To start the Setup Utility program, do the following:

1.If your computer is already on when you start this procedure, shut down the operating system and turn off the computer.

2.Press and hold the F1 key then turn on the computer.

3.Release the F1 key.

Notes:

a.If you are using a USB keyboard and the Setup Utility program does not display using this method, repeatedly press and release the F1 key rather than leaving it pressed when turning on the computer.

b.If a user password or an administrator password has been set, the Setup Utility program menu is not displayed until you type your password. For more information, see "Using passwords" on page 39.

The Setup Utility might start automatically when POST detects that hardware has been removed or new hardware has been installed in your computer.

Viewing and changing settings

The Setup Utility program menu lists items that identify system configuration topics. To view or change settings, see "Starting the Setup Utility program" on page 39.

When working with the Setup Utility program menu, you must use the keyboard. The keys used to perform various tasks are displayed at the bottom of each screen.

Using passwords

By using the Setup Utility program, you can set passwords to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to your computer and data. See "Starting the Setup Utility program" on page 39. The following types of passwords are available:

•User Password

•Administrator Password

You do not have to set any passwords to use your computer. However, if you decide to set any passwords, read the following sections.

Password considerations

A password can be any combination of up to twelve alphabetic and numeric characters (a-z and 0-9). For security reasons, it is a good idea to use a strong password that cannot be easily compromised. Passwords should adhere to the following rules:

• Have at least eight characters in length

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