NOTE: Passwords are
disabled when you receive
your computer.
A primary password prevents unauthorized access to the computer at start-up. An administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. A hard drive password helps prevent the unauthorized access of data on the drive, even when the drive is placed into another computer.
NOTICE: The passwords provide a high level of security for the data in your
computer or hard drive. However, they are not foolproof. If you require more
security, you should obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data
encryption programs or PC Cards with encryption features.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or call Dell. For your protection, Dell technical support staff will ask you for proof of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.
NOTE: If you experience
problems using a
password, ensure that the
numeric keypad is
disabled.
The primary password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer. The following message appears each time you turn on the computer:
Please type in the primary or administrator password and
press <Enter>.
To continue, enter your password (maximum eight characters).
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.
If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for the administrator password.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is
also disabled.
The administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. The administrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign the primary password.
When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in the system setup program. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrict access to the system setup program in the same way a system password restricts access to the computer.
The administrator password can be used in place of the primary password. Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the administrator password instead.
NOTE: The
administrator password
provides access to the
system, but it does not
provide access to the hard
drive when the drive is
protected by a password.
If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password assigned but forget them both, contact your system administrator or contact Dell.
NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is
also disabled.
The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for the modular hard drive (if one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.
After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you resume normal operation from suspend mode or standbymode.
If the hard drive password is enabled, the following message appears each time you turn on the computer:
Please type in the hard-disk drive password and press
<Enter>.
To continue, enter your password (maximum eight characters). Press
to return the computer to its previous state.
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous state.
If you enter the wrong password, the following message appears:
Invalid password
[Press Enter to retry]
If the correct password is not entered in three attempts, the computer tries to boot from another bootable device if the Boot Orderpage in the system setup program is set to allow it. If the boot order is not set to allow booting from another device, the computer returns to the state it was in when you turned it on.
If the hard drive password, the modular hard drive password, and the primary password are the same, you are prompted only for the primary password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, you are prompted for both. Two different passwords provide greater security.
The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to a hard drive that is protected by a hard drive password.
The Asset Tag utility allows you to enter an asset tag number that you or your company assigns to the computer. After you enter an asset tag, the tag appears in the system setup screens.
You can also use the Asset Tag utility to enter an owner tag that appears in the system log-on screen and with the primary password prompt.
NOTE: The Drivers and
Utilities CD for your
computer is a bootable
CD.
*Offers subject to change. Taxes, shipping, handling and other fees apply. U.S. Dell Small Business new purchases only. LIMIT 5 DISCOUNTED OR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS PER CUSTOMER. LIMIT 5 VOSTRO OR INSPIRON UNITS PER CUSTOMER. Dell reserves right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors.
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