HP Notebook Reference Guide - Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Networking (select models only)
- Multimedia
- Power management
- Shutting down the computer
- Setting power options
- Using Power Assistant (select models only)
- Using battery power
- Finding additional battery information
- Using Battery Check
- Displaying the remaining battery charge
- Maximizing battery discharge time
- Managing low battery levels
- Conserving battery power
- Storing a battery
- Disposing of a used battery
- Replacing the battery
- Using external AC power
- Switching between graphics modes (select models only)
- External cards and devices
- Using Media Card Reader cards (select models only)
- Using PC Cards (select models only)
- Using ExpressCards (select models only)
- Using smart cards (select models only)
- Using a USB device
- Using 1394 devices (select models only)
- Using an eSATA device (select models only)
- Using a serial device (select models only)
- Using optional external devices
- Drives
- Security
- Protecting the computer
- Using passwords
- Using antivirus software
- Using firewall software
- Installing critical security updates
- Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only)
- Installing an optional security cable
- Using the fingerprint reader (select models only)
- Maintenance
- Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics
- MultiBoot
- Management
- Traveling with the computer
- Troubleshooting resources
- Electrostatic Discharge
- Index
Using passwords
A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several
types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information.
Passwords can be set in Windows or in non-Windows Computer Setup that is preinstalled on the
computer.
●
Setup and DriveLock passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system
BIOS.
●
The embedded security password, which is an HP ProtectTools Security Manager password,
can be enabled in Computer Setup to provide BIOS password protection in addition to their
normal HP ProtectTools functions. The embedded security password is used with the optional
embedded security chip.
●
Windows passwords are set only in the Windows operating system.
● If you forget the BIOS administrator password set in Computer Setup, you can use HP SpareKey
to access the utility.
●
If you forget both the DriveLock user password and the DriveLock master password set in
Computer Setup, the hard drive that is protected by the passwords is permanently locked and
can no longer be used.
You can use the same password for a Computer Setup feature and for a Windows security feature.
You can also use the same password for more than one Computer Setup feature.
Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:
● When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.
●
Write down your passwords and store them in a secure place away from the computer.
●
Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.
The following tables list commonly used Windows and BIOS administrator passwords and describe
their functions.
Setting passwords in Windows
Password Function
Administrator password* Protects access to a Windows administrator-level account.
NOTE: T
his password cannot be used to access Computer
Setup contents.
User password* Protects access to a Windows user account.
*For information about setting a Windows administrator password or a Windows user password, select Star
t > Help and
Support.
56 Chapter 7 Security