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    Adding a fingerprint scanner to a t42.

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by dark0, Nov 20, 2006.

  1. dark0

    dark0 Newbie

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    I currently have a 14.1" t42 and was looking to replace my bezel/palmrest as the current one has a faulty mouse button that works on and off, I came across a bezel for a 14.1" t42 with a fingerprint reader and was wondering if I could replace it with my existing one that doesn't have a reader present and more importantly will it function :).

    I did find a comment by someone that mentioned doing what I've just described and the bios recognizing the fingerprint reader/scanner, but the comment was too short and vauge to just go on a whim and get one.

    If anyone has any input please share.
     
    dark0, Nov 20, 2006
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  2. Momo26

    Momo26 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    It sounds like something that would work, however, you do need the corresponding software for the fingerprint reader recognition. Check on the Lenovo website if they have drivers or software for fingerprint recognition. There must be a recovery type CD floating which people use if they have to replace their HardDrive, or have a corrupted BIOS.
     
    Momo26, Nov 20, 2006
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  3. dark0

    dark0 Newbie

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    Momo26 I really appreciate the timely response :).

    The fingerprint software is actually part of the ThinkVantage suite of utils for T models, so I'm guessing there will be no problems on the software front if the hardware gets recognized. The Recovery CD's are also there.

    Has anyone actually tried this before with positive results?
     
    dark0, Nov 20, 2006
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  4. Momo26

    Momo26 Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    No problem, just to verify though, i'd call Lenovo and talk to technical service.
     
    Momo26, Nov 20, 2006
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  5. dark0

    dark0 Newbie

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    Kinda hesitant to deal with their tech dept. :), but I'll give it a shot tomorrow, thanks again.
     
    dark0, Nov 20, 2006
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  6. bdonkey

    bdonkey Notebook Enthusiast

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    To streamline the CTO build process, all the T42 system boards should have the same functionality (incl. FP reader support). It wouldn't make logistical sense to have different system boards for slight differences in build options. So I'd say it's a pretty safe bet it will work, but calling tech support might yield a more definitive answer.

    And the fingerprint reader on my z61t seems to just be USB, so there's probably a USB line included with the ribbon cable that connects the touchpad assembly + fingerprint reader to the system board.

    And the BIOS should have the same capabilities across all systems... I remember clearly that my old thinkpad didn't have BT / WWAN, but the options to enable/disable them were still present in the BIOS (although they obviously didn't do anything).

    If you do decide to get it, you'll probably want to look here for the fingerprint software and the client security solution:
    http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-63820
    http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/s...yind=0&operatingsystemind=49979&validate=true
     
    bdonkey, Nov 20, 2006
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