Dell :: Latitude E6500 Fingerprint Reader Problems
Feb 7, 2010
I got my Latitude E6500 a few days ago, I'm happy with it (except the lagging ALPS touchpad) but I have a problem with the fingerprint reader (Broadcom USH w/Swipe sensor).
The fingerprint reader is connected and does respond, but the ControlPoint software throws an error if I try to enroll my fingerprint (the error doesn't show up if I don't touch the sensor). If I reboot, the "Broadcom USH w/swipe sensor" is replaced by "Broadcom USH w/o swipe sensor" in the device manager. The swipe sensor is detected again after a complete shutdown.
When I ordered my E6400, it said on the Dell configuration pages that it would have a UPEK fingerprint reader. I am quite sure I got another fingerprint reader since it says "Broadcom USH CV w/Fingerprint Swipe Sensor" in Device Manager. When I look closely at the quotes I got from the Dell sales guy it doesn't say UPEK anywhere on the E6400 quote but it does say UPEK on the E6500 quote.
Does the E6500 have the same (non-UPEK) fingerprint reader?
Is it possible to get the E6400 with a UPEK fingerprint reader?
I would like to have a laptop with the UPEK fingerprint reader since I ordered a Dell USB UPEK fingerprint reader with my laptop that I intend to use when the computer is in the docking station. The USB UPEK fingerprint reader doesn't work with the fingerprint software on my E6400. I am not 100% sure it will work even if I would have the same brand of fingerprint reader in the laptop but I think it should increase the chance a lot.
This has been brought up before in this forum, but it was as an off-topic discussion on a thread with a different topic. I'd like to bring it to full discussion.
Basically, I'm quite happy with my E6400 but I don't use the fingerprint reader, because that involves using the Embassy Trust Suite.
This means that you cannot use the fingerprint reader for any other uses except logging on at boot and windows logon screen. You cannot use it for your web browser, for example.
Several people have asked Dell to invest in an open API for the fingerprint reader because of this. Dell suggested we opened a thread in their community feedback site, "Dell IdeaStorm", which I did. Here's the link.
I've enrolled my fingerprints via the Windows 8.1 PC user settings app.
When I logon to my PC it provides the usual password box to type my password, but if I swipe the fingerprint reader nothing happens. I've registered four fingers, none of them work.
Are there some other settings I need to change to enable use of the fingerprint reader?
I see the biometric device in device manager, and registering fingerprints is no problem, it's just during logon that it's not working.
I recently converted from a Lenovo X220 to a the Dell Latitude XT3. The XT3 is a better laptop minus a couple design choices. That said, there is one feature in particular that I will miss the most....My old X220 fingerprint reader allowed me to swipe with the latop powered down. This action would boot up the PC and log me in. This doesn't seem to work the same on the XT3. Instead, I must power it up then swipe in two separate steps.
Is there a way to get the XT3 to respond to a finger swipe while it is powered down?
I recently purchased a Latitude E6500 with fingerprint reader. I was so impressed with the Studio15 that I had. Here is the problem the software with the E6500 doesn't let you login on websites or programs, like the Studio did. When contacted Dell they stated that it will only work with Vista. My E6500 came preloaded with XP Pro. So I bit the bullet and downgraded to Vista. Guess what still no use except to log into windows. Wave software SUCKS! Does any one know of software that will work in XP with the Latitude? Digitalpersona does not have a XP version yet. Yet on my Studio I converted to XP and it worked. Anyone have a link to the fingerprint software on the Studio?
I have recenltly bought a e6500 everything was fine till I tried to install windows vista 32 bit again . The boardcom USH w/touch sensor was not installed in my former OS and I didn't have boardcom TMP neither .
But my fingerprint worked fine .
Then I reinstalled the windows and installed the latest drivers in order . I also updated the firmware but none of those helped me solve this problem .
When I try to enroll my finger print I get : "Device opened" and when I choose my thumb as an enrolling finger I get "an error occurred during enrollment please re-enroll" Is there any thing that I can do ?
I highly recommend the standalone desktop version by Upek.
The cheapest I could find was buy.com ($41.08 with 5% off coupon available everywhere). [url]
Mine came with the 5.8.2 version of their software, but the build date of the one posted in the "Upek" thread was a bit higher, so I used that one... ((not so) New Upek Fingerprint Reader Driver)
The reader operates exactly the same way as the one in the laptop (duh? same brand and same software).
If you have encrypted files from your laptop, you can open them on your desktop and vice versa...
i have been trying to figure this out for a week with no luck and even no luck through dell.
I have a new latitude e6400, i originally set my fingerprint, then decided to clean install vista 64 bit, after tons of problems, i then abandoned the effort. Went back to the original vista business 32 bit, however, everytime i turn on my computer, during pre-boot it asks me to scan my finger to get access to my computer, i just want to disable it, but it will not let me, i went into security setting in dell control point, and in that funky embassy software, i cannot find a way to disable the finger print reader, i dont want to uninstall just disable, any insights?
I just received my E6400 from Dell today and setup the fingerprint reader. I noticed it only works when I boot up the notebook and then I scan to get to the windows login screen.
I was wondering If I can set it up so that I scan to login to windows rather than typing in a password. I was also wondering If I could configure it to login to websites for things such as email since I know you can do that with Windows Fingerprint Reader.
I got an E4300 through work and set up the fingerprint reader at the request of my IT department, but I hate this stupid thing. It never works and I always have to manually override it.
I asked them to take it off, but it's "firm policy" for our laptops to have the reader turned on.
Anyone know how to turn it off? It's controlled through Dell ControlPoint and maybe a proprietary program we have.
I just updated to Firefox 3.5 today and much to my dismay it has disabled the add-on for my fingerprint reader to log into things in Firefox on my XPS M1530.
Anyone have any idea on a workaround or an updated add-on?
I have tried enrolling many different fingers but the same message is returned. When I installled the driver R173506, I was presented with 4 folders ie x.86vista and x.64vista.
Plus two XP folders. I tried to install from the 64 but an error message was returned.
I eventually installed the drivers from the 86 folder. Just wondering if this is correct? The call centre said I should not be presented with these folder options.
First off, I know the fingerprint reader is not very secure. But since I have a new XPS 1530 with a built in reader, I want to make sure I can use it because 1) it's under warranty & 2) it's cool.
I've read the readers can be quite flaky so if I decided to actually use it to log onto my computer, I want to make sure I will also always have the option to enter a password instead
i got my studio 17 and as soon as i got it i saw a little youtube video on the fingerprint reader and was wondering if it works well cuz i didnt order it with one but it looks pretty cool and fuctional and i am sick to death of typing in passwords if it is all its cracked up to be is there any way i could buy one and install it myself? thank you for your replies.
as the dramtic headline says i just went to log onto my e6500 and placed my finger on the FIPS fingerprint reader and it roasted me !
and it didnt even log me in either , but worst part is it made me recoil a little and the machine fell of my lap and the screen lid took a knock on the floor, so i now have a cracked screen lid .....
This is my first laptop with a fingerprint reader. I dont know much about them but would like to start using it. I cant find much documentation about it other than the Embassy Security Center software but there is a lot to that software (at least thats new to me).
Is this what I need to use for using the fingerprint or password for logging on my computer? What all are you people doing with yours?
My old xp laptop had a password for windows log on but that was much simpler to set.
I reinstalled windows on my laptop, and I go to re enroll my fingerprint with the fingerprint reader. The Fingerprint reader suite says I have no fingers enrolled, but when I go to enroll my finger again, it says the fingerprint is already enrolled. But I can't find it anywhere. I'm assuming the saved fingerprints are saved to the device itself, but I can't seem to import the saved prints.
I have a new Dell M4400 Precision running Windows Vista 64bit. Th only function that works with the fingerprint reader is pre boot and windows log on.
I am not able to log onto web pages or applications. The fingerprint reader (in my case the FIPS unit but both are effected) is not attached to the system and will not detect as a biometric device. The fingerprint reader is connected to a unit called a Broadcom USH (Unified Security Hub). Since the unit is not detected as a biometric device you cannot use it with any fingerprint software such as PSQL (Upek's Protector Suite QL) or the built in software with Windows 7. The only software that it works with is ETS (Wave's Embassy trust Suit) which officially from Wave does not support and will not support 64bits OS. The ETS software however does not work even when a 32bit OS is used, Well at least not work in a practical manner.
I AM IN CONTACT WITH DELL LEVEL 2 SUPPORT AND ENGINEERING. BUT NEED HELP FROM OTHER DELL OWNERS TO FORCE DELLS HAND TO RESOLVE THIS POOR DESIGN FLOOR WHICH ONLY EFFECTS THE NEW DELL LAPTOPS.
FACTS KNOWN SO FAR
1. The Fingerprint readers used are standard USB readers 2. The port on the USH is a standard USB port. 3. The fingerprints are stored in the fingerprint unit. 4. The fingerprint reader will still work with the TPM disabled 5. The FIPS and HSPD security is part of the UPEK reader and has no bearing on the broadcom USH. 6. It is the USH that is blocking the fingerprint from Windows. 7. Up until approx 10 days ago Dell did not see this as an issue. But now see it as a high priority to resolve and are talking about developing a 64bit ETS. 8. Being able to use PQSL with the FIPS reader would resolve issues. Allowing webpage logon and application logon as all previous Dell units did. 9. The FIPS reader is supported by PSQL 2009 confirmed by UPEK. 10. Not confirmed only commented by a UPEK Tech that they are trying to resolve the broadcom compatibility issue that effects Dell. 11. The Broadcom USH controls the Smartcard and Contactless smartcard readers. The fingerprint reader is only connected to a USB port on this device which is restricted from the system. Like a locked port on a USB hub. 12. Which with out Dell owners speaking up as a whole Dell engineering will not listen to the Dell Pro support.
HOW WE CAN FIX IT
After speaking with UPEK and Dell pro support is is confirmed that this solution will resolve the issue of the fingerprint reader not being a biometric device and all of the problem associated with this simple fact.
SOLUTION
If Dell engineering was to update the firmware on the Broadcom USH allowing the USB port that the fingerprint reader is attached to be seen by the system then all would be resolved and windows would see the fingerprint reader as a biometric device instead of Broadcom USH w/ fingerprint touch sensor. This would work the same way a USB port on a hub sees a device. For example a memory stick on a USB hub intergrated into a keyboard is not seen as a "Keyboard w/memory stick".
CONCLUSION
Dell pro support has already requested the update from Engineering and was told they are looking into a 64bit ETS. This does not add inbuilt support for windows 7. Unless Dell owners speak up together and in numbers ENGINEERING WILL NOT LISTEN. So please reply to this post if you are not able to use your new fingerprint unit in the practical way that a HP, Acer, Toshiba or owner of another brand laptop can.
I recently spoke with a Dell rep, regarding this for the M6400, but he couldn't tell me if the UPEK fingerprint reader was the one shown their website or it was
the one with white plastic around it as seen some of the images on this website. I much prefer the one shown on Dell's website, but I don't want to take a chance by ordering the wrong one
I'm looking to get a new laptop and wanted to get another Dell Studio 17, but I was astonished when I saw that this model apparently no longer comes with a fingerprint reader? That's enough to make me not want to buy the laptop.
Does anyone know why they got rid of it? Was it too problematic? Customer service was suitably unhelpful during the online chat...
Might have noticed that I ordered the Studio 1555 a few days ago (check sig for specs).
I am fully aware that it doesn't have a fingerprint reader, but I did see in another thread of retrofitting palmrests,
which have apparent available cuts for the fingerprint reader.
Now is the fingerprint reader somehow soldered to the motherboard? How could I go about replacing my palmrest with a fingerprint reader? Is this possible?
I'm having trouble with the fingerprint reader on my M4400. I have done a clean install of Windows 7 RC x64, and installed the relevant drivers, but the only software that recognizes the fingerprint reader is Embassy Wave bundled by Dell (which seems a bit, well, clunky ).
I have tried UPEK's Windows 7 software, which installs fine, but it cannot find the fingerprint reader. The same happens with DigitalPersona too; it installs perfectly but can't find the device. The fingerprint reader is listed in the control panel (it shows as '5880', which is the combined Broadcom fingerprint reader, smart card reader etc.), so I'm not sure why nothing but Dell's software can 'see' it.
