This is the keyswitch mechanism. It is one of the important security features of the MDFS. Firstly, it requires a key to power up the server and secondly, it has two modes whilst running, Secure and System.

Secure mode is the normal operating state of the MDFS but certain potentially harmful functions are not available.

In system mode, the MDFS allows you to change system configuration settings, the system time and edit the passwords file. It also allows access to the MDFS setup menu in FAST mode.

I had attempted to override the keyswitch by cutting the wires and joining them directly together to bypass the mechanism. I did get it to work, but only briefly due to blowing the main fuse.

I can supply an MDFS key to anybody who needs one. They are all the same so don't even think about fiddling with the keyswitch - just ask me for a key!