52 Using the System Setup Program and UEFI Boot ManagerUsing the Setup PasswordAssigning a Setup PasswordYou can assign a setup password only when the Setup Password is NotEnabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password optionand press the <+> or <–> key. The system prompts you to enter and verifythe password.NOTE: The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the twopasswords are different, the setup password can be used as an alternate systempassword. The system password cannot be used in place of the setup password.You can use up to 32 characters in your password.As you type, placeholders appear in the field.The password assignment is not case-sensitive. Certain key combinations areinvalid and if you enter one, the system beeps. To erase a character, press or the left-arrow key.When you verify the password, the Setup Password changes to Enabled. Thenext time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you forthe setup password.A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately(restarting the system is not required).Operating With a Setup Password EnabledIf Setup Password is Enabled, you must enter the correct setup passwordbefore modifying most of the System Setup options.If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets youview, but not modify, the System Setup screens. The following options areexceptions: If System Password is not Enabled and is not locked through thePassword Status option, you can assign a system password. You cannot disableor change an existing system password.NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the SetupPassword option to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.
