Pre-Boot Authentication Will Not Activate Due to SED Block SID Authentication Enabled

Self-encrypting drive Block SID Authentication is a new BIOS feature for Dell X9 and later computers and requires additional configuration to activate pre-boot authentication.

Affected Products:

• Dell Encryption Self-Encrypting Drive Manager

Affected Versions:

• v10.3 and Later

Affected Platforms:

• Dell X9 and Later

Block SID Authentication must be configured when troubleshooting issues with Dell pre-boot authentication. If Block SID Authentication is not properly configured in the BIOS, then an error is indicated in DellAgent.log, located by default in C:\ProgramData\Dell\Dell Data Protection\.

Example error:

SED Block SID Authentication is enabled in BIOS, but the Admin BIOS password is not set. For example, an admin BIOS password is required for Block SID bypass using (0) application. Block SID can be manually disabled in the BIOS in case PBA activation fails.

By design, a BIOS Admin Password must be set in the computer BIOS for the pre-boot authentication to activate when SED Block SID Authentication is Enabled. At activation, a prompt for the BIOS admin password is requested. If the input password matches the stored password in the BIOS, the pre-boot authentication activation can proceed. If the SED Block SID Authentication feature is not needed, Disable it to proceed with pre-boot authentication activation. Select the appropriate process for more information.

Admin Password

1. Boot into the BIOS system setup.
   Note: For more information about how to boot into the BIOS, reference How to Access the UEFI and BIOS Firmware Setup Screens with Microsoft Windows 10 and 11.
2. Expand Security and then click Admin Password.
   
   Note: The BIOS menu options may vary by computer. Reference your user guide for additional assistance.
3. Enter and Confirm the new password, and then click OK.
   
4. Choose Apply and then click Exit.
   

Disable

1. Boot into the BIOS system setup.
   Note: For more information about how to boot into the BIOS, reference How to Access the UEFI and BIOS Firmware Setup Screens with Microsoft Windows 10 and 11.
2. Expand Security and then click HDD Security.
   
   Note: The BIOS menu options may vary by computer. Reference your user guide for additional assistance.
3. Clear SED Block SID Authentication and PPI Bypass for SED Block SID Command.
   
4. Choose Apply and then click Exit.
   

To contact support, reference Dell Data Security International Support Phone Numbers.
Go to TechDirect to generate a technical support request online.
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