If you are running DELL servers, it is recommended to enable BIOS password. This is will prevent accidental changes done to DELL BIOS settings by others who get physical access to the server.
You can setup two different types of passwords in DELL BIOS:
- System Password: This will be prompted before the system can boot up, and load the operating system.
- Setup password: The system will prompt for this password only when you are trying to access the BIOS settings.
Depending on your situation, it might be a good idea to enable both the system and setup password at the BIOS level. I recommend that you at least enable BIOS password.
Press F2 for System Setup
When the DELL server is booting up, press F2 to start system setup, from where you can change DELL BIOS settings.
BIOS System Security
From the DELL BIOS main menu, scroll down to “System Security” and press enter.
Password Not Enabled
From here, you can see that both the System and Setup password is not enabled by default.
Enable System Password (and Setup Password)
Scroll to “System Password” and press enter, which will prompt you to enter the password that you like to set for the system. Please understand that if you set this password, you have to enter this password everytime you start the system. Do the same thing for Setup Password.
Don’t forget this bios password. If you forget, then you have go through the painful process of resetting the DELL BIOS password.
Password is Enabled
Once you’ve enabled both the password, from the “System Security” menu, you’ll see that that both system and setup password is enabled as shown below.
System Password Prompt (During Startup)
From now-onwards, anytime you start the system, it will not load the operating system, unless you specify the system password as shown below.
Setup Password Prompt (To Access BIOS)
If you press F2, to get to the BIOS, it will prompt for the setup password as shown below. If you don’t enter a valid password here, you cannot access the DELL BIOS settings anymore.
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Always great articles I can use and keep for future references, Thanks.
Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!
Hello, I wanted to know if it is possible to have a setup password, but not making able to others to change the password if they know it. For example if I am the administrator, I must be the only one capable of changing it, but others will still have the opportunity to use the password and edit the BIOS.
Hi.
could you help me.
I need a system password – bios code to access my laptop.
I have lost my booklet with this info.
I have a DELL Latitude E4310
system #JD2NOP1-2A7B
your help would be much appreciated
thank you
many thanks na, it does not help my problem which i bought a used pc but it asking setup password if i need access to bios i don’t know how to reset it, if you could help me that will help, however that great we have you hear to help others with the time you spent to study all those knowledge , have a good day everyday
My computer says, “Windows Error Recovery” upon startup bu when I press the F2 to go to he system setup, it asks for my password which I can not remember, I have had this laptop for 5 years and never had this issue before nor do I even remember setting up a password on it. How can I get past the F2 setup password to make any changes or reboot my system?!?!
thanks for this helpful information i have big proplem i forget bois password what can i do i can not access the server please help me what can i do
Good job. you are a star. I have used so many of your tips