Users are unable to use some versions of the External Lenovo Fingerprint USB Keyboard to successfully authenticate Power-on or Hard Drive passwords. When the fingerprint is swiped, the entry is validated, but then rejected as incorrect. Both Power-on or Hard Drive password are impacted by & passwords are required to allow the user access to the system.

Enrollment and using the device for Windows-based passwords is not impacted, nor is using the integrated fingerprint reader.

To know whether your USB fingerprint keyboard will work or not, refer to the label on the bottom of the external keyboard. Those keyboards with "Fru P/N" and/or "P/N" such as 57Y4780, 41R008, and 89P9000 will experience the issue with the affected systems.

Those keyboards with "Fru P/N" and "P/N" starting with 03X, such as 03X8001, will not experience this issue.

All of the following ThinkPad systems with versions of the External Lenovo Fingerprint USB Keyboard sold by Lenovo, produced before February, 2011:

• T420, T420i, T420s, T520
• W520
• X220, X220 Tablet

See below for detailed part number list by language.

Stand-alone external fingerprint readers, including those sold under the IBM brand prior to 2008 may also be impacted.

A BIOS update is being prepared for this problem and this tip will be updated when it is available, targeted for Fall of 2011.

Authenticate using passwords rather fingerprints, or use the fingerprint reader integrated in the ThinkPad system unit (if configured).