m1530 - Fingerprint reader defective?

I've never had a fingerprint reader on a computer before but is it just me or is the fingerprint reader on the XPS m1530 defective? I swipe, it says too fast, or too slow or bad quality. I have 5 different people try to register their finger, each doing it and getting the same response. Each also tried multiple times doing it a different way. One of them has an HP with a fingerprint reader but he can't pass it on my computer.

 

Then probably yes.

 

hmm Mine Works Perfectly Bro ... anyway its needs some practice so follow the tutorial closely

 

Mine works fine as well. You have to slowly smear your finger down through the reader slot. Smear.

 

I have also found it helps to have your finger(s) slightly moist, or it won't register at all.

-Dave

 

mine doesnt work for crap either. but i think its cuz my finger tips are worn down from work

 

I'm trying to "smear" but it keeps on saying bad quality.

It might take getting used to but I don't see how it's more convenient than putting in a password given the amount of time it takes to give it a good fingerprint.

 

I have the same problem on the m1330. When i pass my index finger, it says too fast, or too slow, etc. However, it works fine with my thumb (although it is uncomfortable).

 

It takes a little bit of playing around. When you're at the end of the finger, press harder and slide up slightly. And it takes 3 times to successfully register a finger. Sometimes typing in the password is faster!

 

Keep playing with it--it took me a while to figure out how to get it to register my fingers, and now I rarely have to swipe more than once or twice. You really have to push your finger into the groove and sort of pull your finger up at the end so that it can read the tip of your finger too.

 

Great advice! I have just been following this advice and out of the 20 or odd times I used it since (had to restart a lot as I was installing and uninstalling), this has worked great.

 

My first M1330's finger print reader was working perfectly. I had it exchange cause the whine. My replacement unit had the exact same issue you had, so yea there's good chance that it is defective.

 

The fingerprint reader on my m1530 also appears to be defective. After several hundred attempts, I've only had two successful scans. I tried using the reader on a friend's m1530, and I got successful scans every time. I contacted Dell and they are sending someone out to replace the reader. I recommend you do the same, especially before your warranty runs out.

 

Omg I thought I had the same problem too. It kept saying bad quality every single time and I thought maybe it's defective. I followed NovaRev's advice and now I can do it perfectly.

You've really got to understand how it works. It's not just a laser sensor that detects your movement over it or something...not that advanced lol. The little sensor maps your fingerprint as you stroke it (which you'll be able to actually see when you can do it properly). The guide tells you to start from the bend of the fingertip. This is rubbish though since the groove kind of steps in rather than sloping in so you can't do it properly. You have to start from the centre of your fingertip and stroke it all the way up to the tip actually bending your fingertip in making sure it remains in contact with the sensor (contrary to the guide which says to keep it straight).

Works like a treat once you know how it works. Cheers!

 

I had the same problems but also got it to work.

People who are struggling should not get too frustrated. It's not your fault--this is a CRAPPY sensor and/or software. I've been using fingerprint readers for years now, and none have given me as many problems as this one does. I think that it, like the trackpad, crippled gigabit etc. are examples of some weird cost-cutting / segmenting going on with the M1530 that I'll never understand. I can say that these things aren't supposed to be so sensitive. You're supposed to be able to scan quickly, at some range of angles, in different lighting conditions, with or without any light leakage into the sensor, and still get a good reading. Most fingerprint scanners I've used have been this way; this XPS one seems to require a perfect scan or it goes a bit nuts

 

I had my fingerprint reader replaced last week. It now works as expected.

If you've tried all the different techniques and you still can't get a successful scan 90% of the time, chances are your reader is defective. If you know someone with the same reader, you can test your technique there to confirm its validity. If it's just your reader, a quick chat with Dell online will result in a service rep replacing it. A painless process.

 

New driver available for scanner at Vendor's website.

 

If you lost 9 of your fingers, then yeah, the fingerprint reader is faster than typing your password.

That aside, it's more or less another remedy to remembering passwords to websites (you don't use the same one for each website/application do you?). Plus, using the newest Fingerprint Suite, you can bind 9 fingers as shortcuts, meaning starting CS is as easy as swiping your pinky, a video your ring, etc.

 

hey thanks for the smear tip. was having same prob smeared and got 2 good out of 4 1st try.

 

Went to vendor's website, and they list numerous computer manufacturers but don't list Dell.

Do you have a link where I can find the update for m1330/1530?

Thanks

 

Reviving a dead topic because one post helped immensely!

I just received my XPS 1530 and was convinced the scanner was defective. My sister got a Studio 1535 last month and her fingerprint reader works perfectly so I know how to swipe my finger. My XPS's wouldn't even register a scan, simply no response. I just installed Vista 64 (for some reason it came with Vista 32) and it now responds but every swipe is bad quality.

So I read one post that said to moisten your finger. I licked mine and guess what ? Scans perfectly everytime ! Weird as heck but it works and now I'm happy.

 

I guess I'm the third vote for this, but yes, a moist or at least moisturized finger (did you just wash your hands?) works wonders on the 1330 / 1530 fingerprint scanner.

Used to have an M1330 with a touchy scanner. Licking, condensation from a glass, what have you... always worked like a charm.

 

I've had the same problem and I gave up on the fingerprint reader. But I've never tried by moistening the finger. Lemme try...

 

This was the winner! Every fingerprint worked after making sure the finger was a little damp.

Thanks!