Dell USA L P

Jeffrey N Sloan

Peter A Woytovech

A method and apparatus for selectively locking and unlocking the system password of a PC in response to authorized requests by the system administrator. The method and apparatus operate in a PC environment having a Setup utility program and the capability for a system password to control access. The disclosed method contemplates receiving a user request to either disable or change the system password. If the request is a request to disable the system password, then the system password status is examined. If the system password status is 'locked,' then the system password is not disabled. If the system password status is 'unlocked,' then the system password is disabled. If, on the other hand, the user request is a request to change the system password, then the setup password is examined. If the setup password is disabled, then the user is permitted to change the system password. If the setup password is enabled, then the user must correctly enter the setup password before being permitted to change the system password.

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Round Rock, TX, United States of America

Jeffrey N Sloan