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Customizing Your VAIO Computer >
Setting the Password
Setting the Password
In addition to the Windows password, you can use BIOS functi ons to set two types of passwords to protect your computer:
the power-on password and the hard disk password.
Once you have set the power-on password, you will be prompted to enter the password after the VAIO logo appe ars to start
your computer. The power-on password allows you to protec t your computer from unauthorized access.
The hard disk password provides additional security fo r the data stored on your built-in storage device. If you set the hard
disk password, other users will not be able to access the data without knowing the passwor d, even if the password-protected
built-in storage device is removed from your comp uter and is installed in another computer.

Adding the Power-on Password

The power-on password is provided to protect your computer from u nauthorized access.
There are two types of the power-on passwords: the machine pas sword and the user password. The machine password is
provided for users with administrative rights on the computer to ch ange all the setup options in the BIOS setup screen, as
well as to start the computer. The user password is provided for the standard users to allo w for changing some of the BIOS
setup options, as well as starting the computer. To set the user p assword, you must first set the machine password.
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Once you have set the power-on password, you cannot start your computer without entering the p assword. Be sure not to forget the password. Write
down your password and keep it safe and private from other people.
If you forget the power-on password and need assistance to reset it, a passwo rd reset fee will be charged, and your computer may need to be sent in
for service to reset the password.
If your computer is equipped with a fingerprint sensor and you have set the power-on password in conjunct ion with the fingerprint authentication
function, you can substitute fingerprint authentication for password entr y when turning on your computer. For more information, see Using Fingerprint
Authentication (page 71).