Overview of BIOS Features
59
If both the supervisor and user passwords are set, users can enter either the supervisor
password or the user password to access Setup. Users have access to Setup respective to
which password is entered.
Setting the user password restricts who can boot the computer. The password prompt will be
displayed before the computer is booted. If only the supervisor password is set, the
computer boots without asking for a password. If both passwords are set, the user can enter
either password to boot the computer.
For enhanced security, use different passwords for the supervisor and user passwords.
Valid characters for passwords are ASCII codes between 0x20 and 0x7E, which includes
numbers/English characters and special characters. Valid length for passwords is 2 to 20
characters.
To clear a set password, enter a blank password after entering the existing password.
Table 25 shows the effects of setting the supervisor password and user password. This table is
for reference only and is not displayed on the screen.
Table 25. Supervisor and User Password Functions
Password Set
Supervisor Mode
User Mode
Setup Options
Password to
Enter Setup
Password
During Boot
Neither
Can change all
options
(Note)
Can change all
options
(Note)
None
None
None
Supervisor only Can change all
options
Can change a
limited number
of options
Supervisor Password
Supervisor
None
User only
N/A
Can change all
options
Enter Password
Clear User Password
User
User
Supervisor and
user set
Can change all
options
Can change a
limited number
of options
Supervisor Password
Enter Password
Supervisor or
user
Supervisor or
user
Note:
If no password is set, any user can change all Setup options.
