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Service Hints & Tips

Document ID: GSMH-3FBKTV

IBM PC/IBM IntelliStation - Passwords

Applicable to: World-Wide

Passwords:
The following provides information about computer hardware and software-related passwords.:

-	Power-on Password
-	Administrator Password
-	Operating System Password

Power-on Password:
A power-on password denies access to the computer by an unauthorized user when the computer is powered on. When a power-on password is active, the password prompt appears on the screen each time the computer is powered on. The computer starts after the proper password is entered.

Removing a Power-on Password:
To service a computer with an active and unknown power-on password, power-off the computer and do the following:

Note: On some models, this procedure will also remove the administrator password and all customized configuration. Write down the configuration settings before doing this procedure.

1.	Unplug the power cord and remove the top cover.
2.	Refer to System Board Layouts and locate the system board type you are servicing. Depending on the system board, the password is reset by a jumper or switch block.
3.	Move the password jumper to connect the center pin and the pin on the opposite end of the connector; or, change the switch setting as appropriate.
4.	Wait one minute and then move the jumper back to the previous position or reset the switch setting.
5.	Power-on the computer.
6.	Remind the user to enter a new password when service is complete.

Administrator Password:
The administrator password is used to restrict access to the Configuration/Setup Utility program. If you do not enter the administrator password, the configuration can be viewed but not changed.

For PC 700 computers , the administrator password is set by jumpering an administrator password control jumper, which can be on the riser card or the system board.

Note: The administrator password control jumper will not remove the password

Administrator Password Control Jumper on Riser Card:
Refer to 'Riser Card Layouts for PC 700 Series riser cards that have an administrator password control jumper. Pins shown on the riser card are jumpered in the default (D) position.

Jumper Position	Results
1 - 2 (D)	Administator Password can be set
2 - 3	Administator Password cannot be set

Administrator Password Control Jumper/Switch on System Board:

Refer to 'System Board Layouts and locate the system board type you are servicing. Depending on the system board, the password is set by a jumper or switch block.

Important:
PC 700 Series only:	If the Administrator Password is lost or is forgotted. If this happens, the password cannot be changed or removed. When, this occurs, the system board must be replaced and the customer charged accordingly.
PC 300 Series and Intellistation:	The Administrator Password can be reset on PC 300 Series and IntelliStation computers

Operating System Password:
An operating system password is very similar to a power-on password and denies access to the computer by an unauthorized user when the password is activated. The computer is unusable until the password is entered and recognized by the computer.

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	Hint Category	Hardware Maintenance Information
	Date Created	19-03-97
	Last Updated	12-06-98
	Revision Date	08-06-99
	Brand	IBM PC, IBM IntelliStation
	Product Family	PC 300GL, PC 300XL, PC 300PL, PC 330, PC 340, PC 350, PC 360, PC 365, PC 730, PC 750, M Pro, Z Pro, E Pro
	Machine Type	6272, 6275, 6282, 6285, 6284, 6561, 6591, 6588, 6562, 6592, 6862, 6892, 6571, 6573, 6575, 6576, 6577, 6560, 6581, 6583, 6585, 6586, 6587, 6598, 6589, 6875, 6876, 6877, 6885, 6886, 6887, 6888, 6889, 6898, 6899, 6893
	Model	All
	TypeModel
	Retain Tip (if applicable)
	Reverse Doclinks and Admin Purposes