Overview | Assigning a System Password | Using the System Password to Secure the System | Changing an Existing System Password | Disabling a Forgotten Password
The password features provide a basic level of security for
the data on the system. However, these features are not
foolproof. If the system's data requires more security, it is the
user's responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of
protection.
The system is shipped with the system password feature set to Not
Enabled, which allows the user to enter the system setup program
and assign a password.
If system security is a concern, operate the system only with system password protection.
The user can assign a system password whenever using the system setup program. Once a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system.
When the System Password category is set to Enabled, the computer system prompts the user for the system password just after the system boots.
To change an existing system password, the user must know the password.
If the user assigns and then forgets a system password, the user must remove the computer cover and change a jumper setting to disable the system password feature. Note that the setup password is erased at the same time.
With a system password assigned, the status shown in the System Password category is Enabled. With the system password feature disabled by a jumper setting on the system board, the status shown is Disabled By Jumper. The user cannot change or enter a new system password if either of these options is displayed.
With no system password assigned and with the password jumper on the system board in the enabled position (its default setting), the status shown in the System Password category field is Not Enabled. Only when this option reads Not Enabled can the user assign a system password, using the following procedure:
The system password is used to protect the system. When the
system is turned off and then on, or the reset button is pressed,
the following prompt appears on the screen:
Type the password and ... - press <Enter> to leave password security enabled. - press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable password security. Enter password:
After you enter the correct system password and press
<Enter>, the system boots and the keyboard can be used to
operate the system as usual.
If a wrong or incomplete system password is entered, the
following message appears on the screen:
** Incorrect password. ** Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 1
Enter the password again. If an incorrect or incomplete system
password is entered again, the same message appears on the
screen.
The third time an incorrect or incomplete system password is
entered, the system displays the following message:
** Incorrect password. ** Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 3 System halted! Must power down.
The number of unsuccessful attempts made to enter the correct system password can alert the user to an unauthorized person attempting to use the system.
To disable an existing password, perform the following steps:
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NOTE: When the Password Status category is set to Locked, the system password cannot be changed or disabled at boot time by pressing <Ctrl><Enter>. To unlock the system password, the user must enter the setup password and then change the Password Status category to Unlocked. See Password Status. |
If you forget the system password, you will be unable to operate the system until disabling the password. Disabling the password involves going inside the computer and changing a jumper setting (twice) on the system board.
To disable a forgotten password, perform the following steps: