Users Guide

The box in the bottom-right corner of the System Setup screens displays the following information about the system:
The processor line displays the microprocessor type and speed.
Level 2 Cache displays the size of the integrated cache (512 kilobytes [KB]).
System Memoryindicates the entire amount of installed memory detected in your system, except for
memory on Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) expansion cards. After adding memory, check
System Memory to confirm that the new memory is installed correctly and is recognized by the
system.
Video Memory displays the amount of video memory detected in your system.
Service Tag displays the system's five-character service tag number, which was programmed into
NVRAM by Dell during the manufacturing process. Refer to this number during technical assistance
or service calls. The service tag number is also accessed by certain Dell support software, including
the diagnostics software.
Asset Tag displays the customer-programmable asset tag number for the system if an asset tag
number has been assigned. You can use the Asset Tag utility, which is included with your software
support utilities, to enter an asset tag number up to ten characters long into NVRAM. See Asset Tag
Utility for information on loading the Asset Tag utility.
Using the System Password Feature
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. However,
they are not foolproof. If your data requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use
additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.
Your Dell system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, you
should operate your system only with system password protection.
You can assign a system password, as described in Assigning a System Password
, whenever you use the System Setup
program. After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system.
When System Password is set to Enabled, the computer system prompts you for the system password just after the
system boots.
To change an existing system password, you must know the password (see Deleting or Changing an Existing System
Password. If you assign and later forget a system password, you need to be able to remove the computer cover to
change a jumper setting that disables the system password feature (see Disabling a Forgotten Password. Note that when
you erase the system password, you erase the setup password at the same time.
CAUTION: If you leave your system running and unattended without having a system password assigned,
or if you leave your computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper
setting, anyone can access the data stored on your hard-disk drive.
NOTE: The system password is overridden by the setup password.
Assigning a System Password
Before you can assign a system password, you must enter the System Setup program and check System Password.
When a system password is assigned, System Password is Enabled. When the system password feature is disabled by a
jumper setting on the system board, the status shown is Disabled by Jumper. You cannot change or enter a new
system password if either of these options is displayed.