Dell Latitude CPx H - Manual (Page 74)

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Securing Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ CPx H-Series/J-Series
User's Guide
About Passwords Using a Hard-Disk Drive Password
Using a Primary Password Physically Securing the Computer and the Hard-Disk Drive
Using an Administrator Password Asset Tag Utility
About Passwords
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-disk drive password helps prevent the unauthorized
access of data on the hard-disk drive, even when the device is placed into another computer.
NOTES: All three passwords are disabled when you receive your computer. You need to assign those
passwords if you require password security for your computer. Some companies may assign any or
all of these passwords before distributing the computer.
If you are using the Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system, use the System Setup program to
assign all passwords.
NOTICE: The password features provide a high level of security for the data in your computer or
hard-disk drive. However, they are not foolproof. If your data requires 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, call Dell . For your protection, Dell’s technical support staff will ask you
for proof of your identity to make sure that an unauthorized person is not trying to use the computer.
Using a Primary Password
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 .
To continue, type your password and press .
NOTE: If no password is entered 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.