Thinkpads Forum

Got a T61 (8898-55AG) to use the motherboard as a donor for a Frankenpad.

Lenovo description:
ThinkPad T61 (8898-55G)
T7100(1.8GHz), 1GB RAM, 120GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel X3100, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 4c Li-Ion, WinVista Business 32

According to T61 BIOS simulator, there should be a Fingerprint submenu in Security menu. I don't see one here (it's an actual picture of the machine):



What do you think could be the problem here?

Suppose the fingerprint module in this notebook is out of order and the motherboard doesn't recognize it at all - could that be the reason?

Could somebody please take the palmrest with the FPR off their T61 and take a look at the BIOS screen? Will the "Fingerprint" submenu still be there?

If the motherboard is bad then I need to return it to the seller, but the machine is working beautifully, passes all the tests, etc.

I don't know what to think...

Hi,

Pls send me PM tomorow near 17:00 i'll check this. (but probably someone will do this faster )

Regards

What does it say on the first page of the BIOS, does that match the 8898-55G info from the bottom-sticker?
Did someone put a different mobo in that machine?
Here's the T61 BIOS Simulator: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail. ... MIGR-69927

Yep. "System-unit serial number" in BIOS matches the model and serial number on the sticker at the bottom (889855GL3A2316)

My first guess would be a defective FPR that is not being registered by the board.

If that's not the case, then the board itself is most likely defective.

So if the FPR is defective it's possible that BIOS won't show "Fingerprint" menu in BIOS, right?

Yes.

There are 3 possible causes: Bad fingerprint reader, damaged cable, defective USB hub circuit (motherboard).

Thank you! The cable is in perfect condition, and the touchpad, all of its buttons and all other USB ports are working great. Will visit a local 'thinkpadder' tomorrow to try and put on a different FPR and see what happens.

The palmrest you plug in doesn't have to be from the same type of T61, any will do. You can even plug in one from your T60.

Also the cable going from the touchpad to FPR can come unplugged at the reader, check it and make sure it's firmly attached there.

Here's an update: looks like my motherboard is working fine, but the FPR is bad.

An ixbt.com forum member sirarchy (thanks, man!!) agreed to meet me with a tested and working FPR palmrest: I connected it to my T61, turned it on, entered BIOS and saw the Fingerprint menu I was missing. Booted to Windows XP and scanned my finger without any trouble. It's working! All I need is wait till my FrankenPad Kit is finally here (sent from the States by snail mail along with other toys a week ago).

Thank you all for your help and encouragement - I was really upset when I realized my FPR is not there.

Also: if anyone here decides to buy a used Thinkpad from Nikolay at http://www.viafoxoy.com (aka http://www.viafox.narod.ru) - don't. When I told the seller I'm having trouble with the FPR, he replied, "but this doesn't affect the speed, does it?"
No warranty, no repsonsibility... the guy doesn't give a sh!t