HP J070CA - Windows 8.1 - Validity Fingerprint Reader

[frederichoule]

Hello guys,

I just upgrated to Windows 8.1, and now the fingerprint reader doesn't work anymore.

I know that Win 8.1 has built-in biometrics support, so I tried uninstalling HP SimplePass, without success. I updated the drivers to the latest I found (4.5.123.0), I tried uninstalling/reinstalling the drivers, I started the "Windows Biometrics" service, I basically tried everything I could think of.

Right now, the Fingerprint reader drivers are installed correctly and it's detected by the system, but in Control Panel, the "Biometrics" category is not there. Also, in PC Settings => Accounts => SIgn-on, the Fingerprint option is disabled.

Do anybody know what I can do more? Or wait for newer drivers?

[frederichoule]

HP Envy 17 - j070ca
Product No: E0K89UA#ABL

Thanks

[frederichoule]

I am currently trying to install the latest drivers found on the Validity website.

http://www.validityinc.com/software/hp/wbf.php

[frederichoule]

Doesn't work.

[Dragon-Fur]

Frederich,

I have not installed 8.1 yet, so understand that I am working without benefit of seeing what you are seeing on your system.

Assuming this can work given the drivers and software available now, then you do have to install things in the proper order-of-events for the system to pick up the correct settings.

• I do not find Validity Sensor driver for version 4.5.123.0 at your computer's website. 
• What is the sp* number of the Validity Sensor Driver installation file you used?

For the purpose of this writing:

• Assuming the use of the Validity Sensor Driver found at HP ENVY 17-j070ca Notebook PC Drivers - Windows 8
• Assuming the use of the latest HP SimplePass software version as indicated in the following Guide AND in your computer's website (above)

When the SkyDrive opens, look for and open the Guide titled:

Simple Instructions to Upgrade HP SimplePass

Because you are having issues already, you might consider:

1. Make sure you have complete backups before you change anything on your computer - at the least, make an Image backup that you can use to restore the computer to its existing configuration.  The following may still work for Windows 8.1:
   

   Custom Refresh -- How to reinstall Windows 8 without losing your files and programs

2. Regardless of your backup status, create a Restore Point:

   Create a restore point

3. If you choose to remove the existing Validity Sensor Driver before you complete the procedure, then you might do so using the following steps:

     A.  Uninstall AND Delete the existing driver from your Device Manager

     B.  Perform the  Hard Reset

     C.  Boot the system and log in

     D.  Install the Validity Sensor Driver from your computer's website

     E.  Proceed with the steps in the Upgrad Guide, adjusting as necessary

Good Fortune!

Click the Kudos Star!

It is a great “Thank You” for the Experts who offer to help!

[frederichoule]

Hello!

I tried all these SP:

sp61263, sp56957, sp61815

All without success.

Win 8.1 doesn't need HP SimplePass. But even when I install it, most functions aren't activated: https://db.tt/RfmKnXbI

[Dragon-Fur]

Frederich,

The only driver rated for Windows 8 in that group is the sp61263 package.  I doubt the others would work even given that you were just running plain Windows 8.

• You do have to have the driver installed and the system does have to recognise it.
• I am assuming, although you did not say, that you followed the procedure, including the check in the BIOS.
• You might try running in compatibility mode.

See the following, adjusting as necessary for Windows 8.1 OS:

Running Drivers and Software in Compatibility Mode by AttackOfZaq

If you are able to get the system to recognise the Driver installation in the Device Manager, then I should think you could enable the functions within SimplePass as shown in your image.

Click the Kudos Star!

It is a great “Thank You” for the Experts who offer to help!

[frederichoule]

The Fingerprint Reader IS recognized in the Device Manager, no matter the version of the driver I used.

The problem is, there's no "Biometric" category in the Control Panel.

I tried the hard reset, and tried the look in the BIOS, nothing works.

[Dragon-Fur]

Frederich,

I am sorry to hear it is so stubborn.

You might find that someone else has managed to solve the riddle.

When I find something useful, I will post back.  Even after I install Windows 8.1, I may be at a disadvantage:  I use the Eikon Mini fingerprinters on both of my Windows 8 machines -- the drivers are a bit different and the system may not respond in the same manner.

You might call HP Tech Support -- this Forum is not HP Tech support by the way -- HP may have something in the database that can help.  Windows 8.1 officially just hit the streets, so to speak;  HP may have already begun to address this issue.

Click the Kudos Star!

It is a great “Thank You” for the Experts who offer to help!

[frederichoule]

Thanks Dragon-Fur, i'll wait a few days to see if any of the party release an update (Win, HP, Validity). If it doesn't work in a week i'll call HP.

Thanks!