Does anyone know how to decode the yellow tracking dots that Dell color laser printers use?

Lasivian,

Try reading THIS ARTICLE

Rick

Yes, I have seen that article, but the decoding methods currently known cannot decode the tracking dots that Dell uses. As a customer using their product I believe I have a right to know exactly what information my printer is printing on the pages I print.

Lasivian,

Depending n the model of printer you have, it was made for Dell by another Company. You may have better luck finding the acutal manufacturer and it may or may not tell you. It also may be decoded that only the Authorities understand the coding.

Rick

Yes, a third party is used, but this is a function of the firmware, or a proprietary chip on-board, the software of which is programmed by Dell.

If not I'm sure they can provide me with the information of who does that programming.

Lasivian,

I work mostly with the Dell inkjet printer. They're maostly made by Lexmark. If drivers/firmware come in, then Dell usually packages the firmware in their packing and make it available on their website. Basically all Dell is doing is repackaging it. Dell usually works with the third party manufacturer and they add the Dell name to the software. So I would say it still comes back to the manufacturer of the printer(s) and the Secret Service.

Rick

Lasivian,

When I haerd this a few years back, if memory serves me correctly, the yellow dots contained the serial number of the printer, but if it was sold or given to someone it would be hard to track. I see it also has a time stamp. I'm guesing that maybe they have the ip address but cannot be sure.

I have found THIS ARTICLE, too. This has to do with the Secret Service and printer manufacturers. Maybe if someone sent a ransom note, then could track it and find the hostage quicker. I have no answers and I'm sure Dell would not be able to answer, since they use a third party to maunfacturer their printers.

Rick

I have a Dell 2155cdn printer.

Dell might not know how to decode the printed dots, in that case all they have to do is tell me that. :)