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US Patent 5708777 - Method and apparatus for selectively locking a system password of a computer system
US Patent Issued on January 13, 1998
Estimated Patent Expiration Date:
October 16, 2015Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
Estimated Patent Expiration Date:
October 16, 2015Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.AbstractA 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. | InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 543469 filed on 10/16/1995US Classes:710/200, ACCESS LOCKING711/164With password or keyExaminersPrimary: Harvey, Jack B.Assistant: Etienne, Ario Attorney, Agent or FirmUS Patent References5375243, Hard disk password security systemIssued on: 12/20/1994 Inventor: Parzych, et al.5402492, Security system for a stand-alone computer Issued on: 03/28/1995 Inventor: Goodman, et al.5537544, Portable computer system having password control means for holding one or more passwords such that the passwords are unreadable by direct access from a main processor Issued on: 07/16/1996 Inventor: Morisawa, et al.5574786Securing trusted personal computer system against unauthorized movement Issued on: 11/12/1996 Inventor: Dayan, et al. International ClassG06F 012/14 |
