Preboot Manager Overview
Description:
The Preboot Manager provides security of the system when it is not turned on. This option requires that a user's identity be authenticated before the computer boots up. Preventing the operating system from loading means unauthorized users are effectively shut out of the system, so that if the PC is stolen or lost, it secures the data on the hard drive from being exposed.The Preboot Manager guides the administrative user through setting up the appropriate system level passwords. Then, the administrator can set up Preboot Authentication by using a fingerprint scanner or a smart card in place of the passwords. The Preboot Manager is used to configure the security settings, set the passwords, and enroll the smart card or fingerprint.
From the main window, the user can see the status of the system level passwords and whether Preboot Authentication is turned on for the system.
Note: Only a Windows system administrator or a user with administrative rights is able to set up Preboot Authentication using Preboot Manager. A limited user that does not have administrative rights will have access to change the smart card PIN. Additionally, the TPM security chip does not need to be enabled or used in order to use the Preboot Manager.
Preboot Manager supports embedded biometric devices only. If the PC did not ship with an embedded biometric device, Preboot Manager will not support biometric authentication. ETS, however, does support external biometric devices for Windows Login.
The Preboot Manager functionality is only available on Dell systems equipped with pre-loaded Wave Systems Software. Consult your Dell documentation for more information.
Article ID: PBA-001
Last Reviewed: October 8, 2009