Password security
The power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the computer by requiring entry of a password
to access applications or data when the computer is turned on or restarted. The setup password
specifically prevents unauthorized access to Computer Setup (f10) Utility and can also be used as an
override to the power-on password. When prompted for the power-on password, entering the setup
password instead enables access to the computer.
You can establish a network-wide setup password to enable the system administrator to log in to all
network systems to perform maintenance without needing to know the power-on password.
Establishing a setup password using Computer Setup (f10) Utility
Establishing a setup password through Computer Setup (f10) Utility prevents reconfiguration of the
computer (through the use of Computer Setup (f10) Utility) until the password is entered.
To establish a setup password using Computer (f10) Setup menu:
1. Turn on or restart the computer.
2. As soon as the computer is turned on, press and hold f10 until you enter Computer Setup (f10)
Utility. Press enter to bypass the title screen, if necessary.
If you do not press f10 at the appropriate time, you must restart the computer, and then press
and hold f10 again to access the utility.
If you are using a PS/2 keyboard, you might see a keyboard error message. Disregard it.
3. Select Security > Setup Password and then follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Before exiting, select File > Save Changes and Exit.
46 Chapter 2 System management