Skip to main content

Power-on password

This topic provides information about setting a power-on password using the server Setup utility.

If a power-on password is set, when you turn on the server, the system startup will not be completed until you type the power-on password. You can use any combination of 6 to 20 printable ASCII characters for the password.

When a power-on password is set, you can enable the Unattended Start mode, in which the keyboard and mouse remain locked but the operating system can start. You can unlock the keyboard and mouse by typing the power-on password.

If you forget the power-on password, you can regain access to the server in any of the following ways:

  • If an administrator password is set, type the administrator password at the password prompt. Start the Setup utility and reset the power-on password.
  • Remove the battery from the server, wait 30 seconds, and then reinstall it.
  • Change the position of the power-on password switch to 1 on the SW1 switch block to bypass the power-on password check.

    Illustration of the switch block location on the standard I/O book board
    Attention
    Before you change any switch settings or move any jumpers, turn off the server; then, disconnect all power cords and external cables. Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines. Do not change settings or move jumpers on any system-board switch or jumper blocks that are not shown in this document.

    The default for all of the switches on switch block SW1 is Off.

    While the server is turned off, move switch 1 on the switch block SW1 to the On position to enable the power-on password override. You can then start the Setup utility and reset the power-on password. You do not have to return the switch to the previous position.

    The power-on password override switch does not affect the administrator password.