Dell Precision 390 - Manual (Page 6)

The computer prompts you to type and verify the password. If a character is not permitted, the computer emits a beep.
3. Type and verify the password.
After you verify the password, the Admin Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter system setup, the computer prompts you for
the setup password.
4. Exit system setup.
A change to Admin Password becomes effective immediately (no need to restart the computer).
Operating Your Computer With an Admin Password Enabled
When you enter system setup (see Entering System Setup ), the Admin Password option is highlighted, prompting you to type the password.
If you do not type the correct password, the computer lets you view, but not modify, system setup options.
Deleting or Changing an Existing Admin Password
To change an existing administrator password, you must know the administrator password.
1. Enter system setup (see Entering System Setup ).
2. Type the administrator password at the prompt.
3. Press twice to clear the existing administrator password. The setting changes to Not Set.
To assign a new setup password, you can also perform the procedure in Assigning a System Password .
Disabling a Forgotten Password and Setting a New Password
To reset system and/or administrator passwords, see Clearing Forgotten Passwords .
System Setup
Overview
Use system setup as follows:
l To change the system configuration information after you add, change, or remove any hardware in your computer
l To set or change a user-selectable option such as the user password
l To read the current amount of memory or set the type of hard drive installed
Before you use system setup, it is recommended that you write down the system setup screen information for future reference.
Entering System Setup
1. Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2. When the blue DELL™ logo appears, press immediately.
If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop. Then shut down your
computer (see
Turn Off Your Computer ) and try again.
System Setup Screens
The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the
options list, active options field, and key functions.
NOTE: You can use Password Status in conjunction with Admin Password to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.