Dell Precision M2300 (Late 2007) - Manual (Page 65)

After assigning a hard drive password, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer and each time you restore the computer to normal operation
from standby/sleep mode.
If the hard drive password is enabled, you must enter it each time you turn on the computer: A message appears asking for the hard drive password.
To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters) and press .
If you do not enter a password within two minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
If you enter the wrong password, a message tells you that the password is invalid. Press to try again.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the computer tries to start from another bootable device if the Boot First Device option in system
setup is set to allow start-up from another device. If the Boot First Device option is not set to allow the computer to start from another device, the computer
returns to the operating state it was in when you turned it on.
If the hard drive password, the external hard-drive password, and the primary password are the same, the computer prompts you only for the primary
password. If the hard drive password is different from the primary password, the computer prompts you for both. Two different passwords provide greater
security.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
TPM is a hardware-based security feature that can be used to create and manage computer-generated encryption keys. When combined with security
software, the TPM enhances existing network and computer security by enabling features such as file protection capabilities and protected e-mail. The TPM
feature is enabled through a system setup option.
Enabling the TPM Feature
1. Enable the TPM software:
a. Restart the computer and press during the Power On Self Test to enter the system setup program.
b. Select Security® TPM Security and press .
c. Under TPM Security, select On.
d. Press to exit the setup program.
e. If prompted, click Save/Exit.
2. Activate the TPM setup program:
a. Restart the computer and press during the Power On Self Test to enter the system setup program.
b. Select Security® TPM Activation and press .
c. Under TPM Activation, select Activate and press .
d. Once the process is complete, the computer either restarts automatically or prompts you to restart your computer.
Security Management Software
The security management software is designed to utilize four different features to help you secure your computer:
l Log-in management
l Pre-boot authentication (using a fingerprint reader, smart card, or password)
l Encryption
l Private information management
NOTE: The administrator password provides access to the computer, but it does not provide access to the hard drive when a hard drive password is
assigned.
NOTE: Computers shipping into China are not equipped with the TPM feature.
NOTE: The TPM feature may not be supported in all countries.
NOTE: The TPM feature supports encryption only if the operating system supports TPM. For more information, see the TPM software documentation and
the help files that came with the software.
NOTICE: To secure your TPM data and encryption keys, follow the backup procedures documented in the Broadcom Secure Foundation Getting Started
Guide. In the event of these backups being incomplete, lost, or damaged, Dell will be unable to assist in the recovery of encrypted data.
NOTE: You only need to activate the program once.