Troubleshooting Kensington Security Locks on Dell Systems

This article provides information on troubleshooting Kensington® Security Locks found on Dell systems

Table of Contents:

1. Troubleshooting Combination Type Security Locks
2. Troubleshooting Keyed Type Security Locks

1. Troubleshooting Combination Type Security Locks

Troubleshooting Scenarios:

1. How to reset the combination of the lock
2. How to secure the system using the Kensington Combination Lock
3. How to remove the lock from the system
4. How do we reset the combination if the combination is lost?
5. Unable to remove lock from the system with the correct combination known:

The picture above shows the various parts of the combination locks mentioned in the instructions below.
 

I. How to reset the combination of the lock

1. The default combination of the lock "out of the box" is 0000 (reading left to right) i.e. from the button of the lock to T-bar of the lock.
2. Take the reset key and insert into the rear of the lock (near the button of the lock).
3. Press and turn the reset key aligning the two colored alignment ticks.
4. Align the desired combination (left to right) in the yellow bracket area.
5. To finalize the process take the reset key and reinsert into the rear of the lock. Turn the reset ring back to its original position. The reset ring will pop back and alignment ticks will no longer be aligned.
6. Press in the button at the rear of the lock to confirm that new combination is set. If it does not press in we were not successful.

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II. How to secure the system using the Kensington Combination Lock

1. Align the correct combination in the yellow bracket area of the lock.
2. Insert the lock into the Kensington security slot of the system.
3. Rotate the lock body 90 degrees (clockwise).
4. Pushing the button, scramble the combination of the lock tumblers once the button goes in completely. The lock will now be secured in the security slot thus securing the system.

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III. How to remove the lock from the system

Align the correct combination in the yellow bracket area and turn lock body 90 degrees to remove the lock from the system.

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IV. How do we reset the combination if the combination is lost

The combination can be changed only if user remembers the previously set combination. If the user has forgotten the combination there is no way to reset it back. If the user registered the product online then the combination could be retrieved and the user could try that combination. If the product and code was not registered then there is no way to reset or unlock it.

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V. Unable to remove lock from the system with the correct combination known

Make certain the user has aligned the combination (reading left to right). You can try the REVERSE of the known combination and check. Sometimes users have not aligned the tumblers up correctly and reversing will occasionally work.
If it does not work the only way to get the lock removed from the notebook would be to contact a bonded locksmith to remove the lock without damaging the system.

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2. Troubleshooting Keyed Type Security Locks

Troubleshooting Scenarios:

1. How to secure the system with the lock
2. How to register the lock and key code
3. How to order a replacement key
4. Where is the key code on the lock?
5. User lost key and does not know the Key Code, and did not register the product
6. Lock does not fit the security slot of the system. (for Premium Lock only)

The picture above shows the various parts of the keyed locks mentioned in the instructions below.
 

I. How to secure the system with the lock

1. Insert the lock into the security slot of the system (See "6" in the picture above)
2. Insert the key into the lock and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise
3. Verify the lock is secured in the system
4. To unlock, insert the key into the lock and rotate it 90 degrees counter-clockwise

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II. How to register the lock and key code

1. Go to the link here
2. and click on "Get Started".
3. Register a log in account with user name and password.
4. Register your lock with the key code stamped on the lock.

Benefits of lock registration:

• I lost my key: The supplier will ship replacement keys directly to Dell customers, at no additional charge to the customer or to Dell.
  Refer to Section III below for instructions on how to order a replacement key.
• I forgot my number combination: Customers can store and retrieve the number combination at the site.

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III. How to order a replacement key

1. Once the lock is registered (Refer to Section II above for instructions on How to register the lock and key code), log in and select the Security lock codes tab.
2. Click on the Lost Key? Order a free replacement link. This will bring up a form to request the key replacement.
3. Fill out the form and submit it.

NOTE: It is NOT possible to order a replacement key without the key code

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IV. Where is the key code on the lock?

For security reasons there is no code on the lock, cable, or packaging. It is a five- or six-digit code which is stamped on the key. The key code can be all numbers, all letters, or a combination of letters and numbers. It is highly recommended to register the lock and key code on the web site.

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V. Customer lost key and does not know the Key Code, and did not register product

Customer must contact a bonded locksmith who can extricate the lock without damaging the system. Kensington would not be able to replace the key without the key code.

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VI. Lock does not fit the security slot of the system

Look for "K-Lock" icon as shown in location "4" and "6" in the picture at the top of this section. If the system has this symbol all Kensington locks will be compatible. If the symbol is not there it may be compatible with another manufacturer's product.

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