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Using passwords

Passwords can be set to prevent unauthorized access to the server.

Despite passwords enhance data security, they are not required. Read the following topics if you decide to set any passwords.

To start the Setup Utility program, complete the following steps:

Password Types

The following types of passwords are available in the Setup Utility program:

  • Power-on password

    When a power-on password is set, you are prompted to enter a valid password each time the server is turned on. The server cannot be used until the valid password is entered.

  • Administrator password

    Setting an administrator password deters unauthorized users from changing configuration settings. If you are responsible for maintaining the configuration settings of several servers, you might want to set an administrator password.

    When an administrator password is set, you are prompted to enter a valid password each time you try to access the Setup Utility program. The Setup Utility program cannot be accessed until a valid password is entered.

    If both the power-on password and administrator password are set, you can enter either password. However, you must use your administrator password to change any configuration settings.

  • Hard disk password

    Setting a hard disk password prevents unauthorized access to the data on the internal storage drive (such as a hard disk drive). When a hard disk password is set, you are prompted to enter a valid password each time you try to access the storage drive.

Note

  • Even if the storage drive is removed from one server and installed in another, the hard-disk password is still valid.

  • If the hard disk password is forgotten, there is no way to reset the password or recover data from the storage drive.

Password considerations

A password can be any combination of up to 64 alphabetic and numeric characters. For security reasons, it is recommended to use a strong password that cannot be easily compromised.

Note
The Setup Utility program passwords are case-sensitive.

To set a strong password, consider the following guidelines:

  • Have at least eight characters in length

  • Contain at least one alphabetic character and one numeric character

  • Not be your name or your user name

  • Not be a common word or a common name

  • Be significantly different from your previous passwords

Setting, changing, or deleting a password​

To set, change, or delete a password, complete the following steps:
  1. Start the Setup Utility program, see Starting the Setup Utility program.
  2. Select Security.
  3. Depending on the password type, select Set Supervisor Password and press Enter.
  4. Follow the instructions on the right side of the screen to set, change, or delete a password.
    Note
    A password can be any combination of up to 64 alphabetic and numeric characters. For more information, see Password considerations.
  5. To save settings and exit the Setup Utility program, press F10; then, select Yes in the displayed window, and press Enter.

Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS)​

To erase a lost or forgotten password, complete the following steps:
  1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the server; then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the server.
  2. Remove the server cover , see Remove the server cover.
  3. Remove the CMOS battery (CR2032), see Remove the CMOS battery (CR2032).
  4. Wait for 10 to 15 seconds; then, reinstall the CMOS battery (CR2032), see Install the CMOS battery (CR2032).
  5. Reinstall the server cover and reconnect the power cord, see Install the server cover.
  6. Turn on the server. Before the operating system starts up, press F1 to enter the Setup Utility.
  7. In Setup Utility, make sure the date, time, and other settings are correct.
  8. To save settings and exit the Setup Utility program, press F10; then, select Yes in the displayed window, and press Enter.