Dell Precision T3400 (Late 2007) - Manual (Page 74)

74
Securing Your Computer
Using a Primary (System) Password
The primary password protects your computer from unauthorized access. If a
primary password is set, you must enter the password when your computer
starts.
If a valid password is not entered within two minutess, the computer returns
to its previous operating state.
NOTICE:
If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also
disabled.
To add or change passwords, access User Accounts from the Control Panel.
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.
Using an Administrator Password
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 a unique primary password.
To set or change administrator passwords, access User Accounts from the
Control Panel.
When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option
becomes available in System Setup. The Configure Setup option allows you
to restrict access to System Setup in the same way that a primary password
restricts access to the computer.
The administrator password can be used instead of the primary password.
Whenever you are prompted to enter the primary password, you can enter the
administrator password.
NOTICE:
If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also
disabled.
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.