Security User Guide
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Table of contents 1 Protecting the computer 2 Using passwords Setting passwords in Windows ............................................................................................................. 3 Setting passwords in Computer Setup ................................................................................................. 4 BIOS administrator password ...............................................................................................................
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1 Protecting the computer NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a product from being mishandled or stolen. NOTE: Your computer supports CompuTrace, which is an online security-based tracking and recovery service available in select regions. If the computer is stolen, CompuTrace can track the computer if the unauthorized user accesses the Internet. You must purchase the software and subscribe to the service in order to use CompuTrace.
2 Using passwords Most security features use passwords. Whenever you set a password, write down the password and store it in a secure location away from the computer. Note the following password considerations: ● Setup and DriveLock passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system BIOS.
Setting passwords in Windows Windows passwords Function Administrator password* Protects access to a Windows administrator-level account. User password* Protects access to a Windows user account. *For information about setting a Windows administrator password or a Windows user password, select Start > Help and Support.
Setting passwords in Computer Setup BIOS administrator passwords Function BIOS administrator password Protects access to Computer Setup. DriveLock master password Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected by DriveLock. It is also used to remove DriveLock protection. This password is set under DriveLock Passwords during the enable process.
BIOS administrator password The Computer Setup BIOS administrator password protects the configuration settings and system identification information in Computer Setup. After this password is set, it must be entered to access Computer Setup and to make changes using Computer Setup. Note the following characteristics of the BIOS administrator password: ● It is not interchangeable with a Windows administrator password, although both passwords can be identical.
Managing a BIOS administrator password A BIOS administrator password is set, changed, and deleted in Computer Setup. To set or change this password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > Change Password, and then press enter. 4.
Entering a BIOS administrator password At the BIOS administrator password prompt, type your password (using the same kind of keys you used to set the password), and then press enter. After 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter the BIOS administrator password, you must restart the computer and try again.
Using Computer Setup DriveLock CAUTION: To prevent the DriveLock-protected hard drive from becoming permanently unusable, record the DriveLock user password and the DriveLock master password in a safe place away from your computer. If you forget both DriveLock passwords, the hard drive will be permanently locked and can no longer be used. DriveLock protection prevents unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive. DriveLock can be applied only to the internal hard drive(s) of the computer.
Setting a DriveLock password To set a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > DriveLock passwords, and then press enter. 4. Use a pointing device to click the hard drive you want to protect.
Entering a DriveLock password Be sure that the hard drive is inserted into the computer (not into an optional docking device or external MultiBay). At the DriveLock Password prompt, type your user or master password (using the same kind of keys you used to set the password), and then press enter. After 2 incorrect attempts to enter the password, you must shut down the computer and try again.
Changing a DriveLock password To change a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > DriveLock passwords, and then press enter. 4. Use a pointing device to select an internal hard drive.
Removing DriveLock protection To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > DriveLock password, and then press enter. 4. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select an internal hard drive, and then press enter. 5.
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock In a multiple-user environment, you can set an Automatic DriveLock password. When the Automatic DriveLock password is enabled, a random user password and a DriveLock master password will be created for you. When any user passes the password credential, the same random user and DriveLock master password will be used to unlock the drive. NOTE: You must have a BIOS administrator password before you can access the Automatic DriveLock features.
3 Using Computer Setup security features Securing system devices You can disable or enable system devices from the following menus in Computer Setup: ● Boot Options ● Device Configurations ● Built-In Device Options ● Port Options To disable or reenable system devices in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3.
Viewing Computer Setup System Information The System Information feature in Computer Setup provides 2 types of system information: ● Identification information about the computer model and the batteries. ● Specification information about the processor, cache, memory, ROM, video revision, and keyboard controller revision. To view this general system information in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1.
Using Computer Setup System IDs The System IDs feature in Computer Setup allows you to display or enter the computer asset tag and ownership tag. NOTE: To prevent unauthorized access to this information, you must create a BIOS administrator password in Computer Setup. To manage this feature in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2.
4 Using antivirus software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you expose the computer to computer viruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or cause them to function abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them, and in most cases, repair any damage they have caused. To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus software must be kept up to date.
5 Using firewall software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, unauthorized persons may be able to gain access to the computer, your personal files, and information about you. Use the firewall software preinstalled on the computer to protect your privacy. McAfee Total Protection antivirus software is preinstalled on the computer. To access your software, select Start > All Programs > McAfee > Managing Services > Total Protection.
6 Installing critical security updates CAUTION: Microsoft sends alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as you receive an alert. Updates to the operating system and other software may have become available after the computer was shipped.
7 Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) HP ProtectTools Security Manager software is preinstalled on select computer models. This software can be accessed through Windows Control Panel. It provides security features that help protect against unauthorized access to the computer, networks, and critical data. For more information, refer to the HP ProtectTools online Help.
8 Installing a security cable NOTE: A security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. 1. Loop the security cable around a secured object. 2. Insert the key (1) into the cable lock (2). 3. Insert the cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the cable lock with the key. NOTE: Your computer may look different from the illustration. The location of the security cable slot varies by computer model.
Index A administrator password 3 antivirus software 17 Automatic DriveLock password entering 13 removing 13 C cable, security 21 Computer Setup BIOS administrator password 5 device security 14 DriveLock password 8 critical updates, software 19 D device security 14 DriveLock password changing 11 description 8 entering 10 removing 12 setting 9 F firewall software 18 H HP ProtectTools Security Manager 20 M McAfee Total Protection 17, 18 P passwords administrator 3 BIOS administrator 5 22 Index DriveLock
