Thinkpads Forum

When purchasing a used X60 with fingerprint reader, or any IBM/Lenovo with fingerprint reader for that matter, is there any concern that I could be locked OUT if it has the previous owner's fingerprint stored. I've seen units for sale that have "press enter to email fingerprint on them". It's probably a stock photo. I assume that's to get started and it uses some online service. I thought it could be used without subscribing to a service. I know nothing about these FP readers. They come with XP Pro. I would want to wipe everything and install either W7 or Linux.

Thanks for any advice.

The FP reader is only used by the operating system, if the software is installed. It is not functional during pre-OS environment (BIOS, disk access). Therefore, if you plan to wipe everything and install from scratch anyways, there is nothing to fear from an FP reader.

hi PO**...
the FP readers in most TPs ,,, there is way around THAT...

for security reasons (dont want to give pple a way to get around any security of someone else's laptops etc) ,,,,, if you PM me I can give you steps as to HOW TO GO AROUND IT -so that you can RELOGIN to your laptop....

not sure of the 'email service' ,,,,, as to how it will work to scan the other person FP data into the reader ?? suppose at a pinch you can print and scan it - hummm never tired that !!

However if you INSTALLING new OS , all this = mute point! > it be all wiped out and no need for any wories/bother with (EX)OLD USER DATA!!!

opps Dr .. beat me to it >lol
hiya DOC!

dr_st wrote:......The FP reader is only used by the operating system, .....

umm NOT QUITE TRUE ! > as FP reader data = ALSO USED in BIOS @ 'BOP" feature on most TPs'

Cheers mate!