Dell New Fingerprint Reader Owner's Must Read. Broadcom USH Issue effecting Preciosn M4400, M6400, Latitude E6400 and others

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.

 

Yeah, I felt kind of lame about this when I got my laptop. It doesn't make a huge difference but it would be cool to be able to use it properly.

 

I have already complained to them about this. They are "looking" into it. Please post if they provide you with a resolution. I will do the same. I am all over them about this. Also my GPU is heating up more than I like.

 

Great post Des_with_a_Dell. I know how hard it is to gather information about the Broadcom products in the latest Dell laptops.

I have had the same problem with the Contactless Smartcard Reader. I would like to use it in my own programs just like any other contacted/contactless smartcard reader, but at the moment it is just not possible.
It is supposedly PC/SC compliant, but it is not visible amongst the other PC/SC terminals on Windows. I've heared that you can access the reader though a specific Broadcom API though.

I have been in contact with ProSupport, but have not been so helpful.

I would like to join in, and help put pressure on Dell to make both the fingerprint and the contactless reader visible to the system through standardized APIs.

 

Yeah, many people have been bitten by this. I won't hold my breathe, but if you want their attention, maybe start an IdeaStorm idea and direct people to vote for that? I guess Dell will be more willing to listen to it's own site than a third-party forum post.

 

Great idea, +rep. I'll do that soon and post here to let you guys know.

EDIT: Done. Here's the link. You have to register on Dell's website to post comments and/or promote the idea (no sensitive information is necessary, just username, password and email).

 

This has been annoying me to no end also, I purchased a Latitude E6500 for my daughter and the fingerprint reader was part of the criteria. It is so annoying the way this is implemented with the software that comes from Dell that we just turned it off. Because if this I have ordered an HP for myself and removed the Dell from the choices.

 

I am absolutely with you on this. In my opinion, the way Dell has crippled the fingerprint reader is a scandal. Now that they are shipping these machines with an OS that has built-in support for such devices, their failure to properly implement this feature comes dangerously close to false advertising. Let me phrase this even more strongly: The failure of Dell to make it clear that their fingerprint readers are not fully functional Windows devices may have two consequences:
- Microsoft should be made aware of this situation, and should withdraw their labeling of these laptops as compatible with their newest operating system.
- Customers having bought such laptops with the understanding that they come with fully functional fingerprint readers may consider legal action, including a class-action suit.

P.S.: Yes, I am p!ssed about this complete and utter failure of Dell engineering in this case...

 

My apologies for resurrecting an old thread.

As I said earlier here, I posted an idea on Dell's IdeaStorm, which is sort of their "official" forum for suggestions. My idea was actually getting some good feedback from the community.

Then it was merged with an idea asking for "EFI, eSATA and fingerprint reader for all Inspirons".

I'd like to leave here the emails sent back and forth between myself and "Jackie", a moderator from the IdeaStorm site.

I think this pretty much wraps it. IdeaStorm is useless I guess.

I'll compose an email to Michael Dell soon, perhaps we could all sign?

 

I have just bought E6400 with a fingerprint reader and am surprised that I can't use it to anything but logging to windows.

If I knew about that issue before ordering my laptop, I wouldn't add this part to the configuration - frankly, it takes more time to scan the finger than to type a system password.

I agree with Pirx, it is false advertising (though I am sure there is small print somewhere and don't believe in legal action).

SHAME, DELL.

Count me if it comes to signing any petition.