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    biometric coprocessor driver problem in Dell XPS M1330

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by paradoxguy, Apr 17, 2011.

  1. paradoxguy

    paradoxguy Notebook Evangelist

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    My M1330 (specs below in signature) is 3 years old and has generally been performing well despite a hard-drive crash 6 months ago. Two weeks ago my PC froze such that I had to crudely it shut down with the power button. Since then, each time I re-start my PC, I receive a message that the biometric coprocessor (BC) driver needs to be re-installed and am presented with the options of inserting the original software DVD or delaying the install until the next reboot. This situation presents two problems:

    1. Although I have all of the M1330's original re-install and other software DVDs, none are specifically labeled "BC drivers". I have tried installing the BC driver using the original Windows Vista OS DVD and the original drivers and utilities DVD without success. One difficulty is when I opt for installing the BC driver and the install fails, the PC does not allow me to try another source DVD, but proceeds to full boot-up with the message that the BC driver install failed. During one of these boot-ups, I have opted to let my PC search for the driver on the internet, but this failed also. My other source discs are a back-up DVD for WebCam and a driver DVD for MediaDirect. Do one of these DVDs contain the needed BC driver, or do I need to look elsewhere? [I also have install DVDs for Soundblaster Audigy and Roxio CD/DVD burning software, but I doubt either of these is relevant.]

    2. When I opt to try to install the BC driver and fail, my PC subsequently will not recognize any of my USB-powered Western Digital external hard drives (Passports and Elements), and performance of other USB-powered devices (cooling fan, speaker) becomes uneven, although they generally function. However, if I opt to postpone the BC driver install, the USB problems completely resolve and PC performance seems to be unaffected. Of course, I could simply continue postponing the BC driver install, but I would prefer to install the appropriate BC driver if possible.

    I greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions to address this situation. Thanks much for reading and any information.
     
    paradoxguy, Apr 17, 2011
    #1