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Customizing Your VAIO Computer

Adding the Hard Disk Password

The hard disk password provides additional security for the data stored on your built-in flash memory storage or hard disk drive*. If you enable the hard disk password, this adds an extra level of security.

*Your computer is equipped with a built-in flash memory storage and/or a hard disk drive, depending on the model you purchased. See the online Specifications to find about your storage device configuration.

When adding the hard disk password, you must set both the master and user passwords. The master password is provided for users with administrator rights on the computer to reset the user password on the BIOS setup screen. The user password is provided to lock your built-in flash memory storage or hard disk drive. Once you set the user password, you will have to enter the password along with the power-on password (if set), after the VAIO logo appears.

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You cannot start your computer with the master password.

If you forget the master password or the keyboard fails, which is critical to password entry, no bypass is possible and the data stored on the hard disk drive will not be accessible. There is NO RESET of this password. You will have to replace the hard disk drive at your own expense and lose all the data stored on the original hard disk drive. Be sure to write down the master password and keep it safe and private from other people.

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If you have set the hard disk password in conjunction with the fingerprint authentication functionality, you can substitute fingerprint recognition for password entry when turning on your computer. For more information, see Using Fingerprint Authentication (page 115).