Dell Latitude D520:  Securing Your Computer

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.

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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 the system setup program. 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.

If you forget the primary password and do not have an administrator password assigned, or if you have both a primary and an administrator password

assigned but forget them both, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).

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Using a Hard Drive Password

The hard drive password helps protect the data on your hard drive from unauthorized access. You can also assign a password for an external hard drive (if

one is being used) that can be the same as or different from the password for the primary hard drive.

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 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 <Enter>.

If you do not enter a password within 2 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 <Enter> 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 the

system setup program 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.

Computer Tracking Software

Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your

Dell™computer,oryoucancontactyourDellsalesrepresentativeforinformationaboutthissecurityfeature.

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

l Call a law enforcement agency to report the lost or stolen computer. Include the Service Tag in your description of the computer. Ask that a case

number be assigned and write down the number, along with the name, address, and phone number of the law enforcement agency. If possible, obtain

the name of the investigating officer.

l If the computer belongs to a company, notify the security office of the company.

l Contact Dell customer service to report the missing computer. Provide the computer Service Tag, the case number, and the name, address, and phone

number of the law enforcement agency to which you reported the missing computer. If possible, give the name of the investigating officer.