Vostro Bitlocker TPM Error

Question

I have a Vostro 1720 with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit and I want to use Bitlocker for encryption. The laptop is supposed to have Trusted Platform Module 1.2 with Infineon TPM management Security Software, but when I attempt to turn Bitlocker on I receive the following error: A compatible Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Security Device must be present on this computer, but a TPM was not found.

In reading about this I've learned that TPM sometimes needs to be enabled in the BIOS. If this is true, can you please provide the steps I can take to accomplish this?

Thanks,

P

peterh34 · Answer

Thanks for the quick response. I did acess the BIOS but could not find any setting for TPM. Is it hidden somewhere or perhaps called by another name? I assume you are referring to the password for Bitlocker - or is there some password I need to enable TPM?

Thanks!

ejn63 · Answer

Press F2 at powerup to get into the BIOS setup.  You can enable the TPM from there. Beware - make sure you keep the password safe.  If you lose it, you lose access to everything on the hard drive.

ejn63 · Answer

You must also have the security suite software installed (Embassy Wave). That, you download from support.dell.com.

Yes, you must create a username/password for the TPM - which is stored in a chip on the mainboard. You must never lose that software - and because of the nature of the TPM, it does create some risk in that if the mainboard is damaged, you could conceivably lose access to all the data on the hard drive forever - meaning you absolutely MUST keep backups. They are even more important on secured systems than they are on others.

peterh34 · Answer

I installed Embassy Wave, but when setting it up I get an error saying TPM is not enabled. There is still no option to enable TPM in the BIOS.

LaptopNomad · Answer

Check the BIOS revision - look for an update. Be careful with updating! BIOS must be with administrator priv - in case there BIOS is password protected in levels.

ejn63 · Answer

It should be there under Security.  If it 's not:Have you owned the system since it was new? Has it ever had a replacement system board?

peterh34 · Answer

Thanks to both for the replies. I purchased the laptop new and all hardware is original. The only options I can actually change in BIOS Security are Set Supervisor Password and Computrace. I had BIOS revision A04 and updated to the latest A08 but still no TPM. Is there some reason Dell would lock this down? Any other suggestions?

Thanks Much!

ejn63 · Answer

When you installed WIndows 7 (assuming it didn't come pre-installed) did you make sure you installed the Dell notebook system software and the chipset driver?

peterh34 · Answer

Windows 7 came pre-installed. I downloaded the Dell notebook system software and chipset driver and installed them. Still no TPM option in BIOS Security.  This is getting very frustrating, but thanks again for your quick responses!

Dilip Hinduja · Answer

Is there anyone who can help me with the same problem, is there any solution for this

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Vostro Bitlocker TPM Error

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