Preboot authentication screen doesn't display when some Dell Latitude laptops are docked

Technical Articles ID: KB76796
Last Modified: 2023-04-17 10:06:21 Etc/GMT

Environment

Drive Encryption (DE) 7.1.x
Endpoint Encryption for PC (EEPC) 7.0.x

Dell Latitude e6530
Dell Latitude e6520
Dell Latitude e6420
Dell Latitude e6430
Dell Latitude e6220

NOTE: Other Dell models not listed above may also be affected.

Problem

The PreBoot Authentication (PBA) screen fails to display, preventing you from authenticating at pre-boot.

The problem occurs only when the laptop is attached to a Dell docking station.

You don't see the PBA screen if the Dell laptop is docked and connected to an external monitor via a DVI connection. There are no issues if you use an analog cable.

This issue has been reported with the Dell models listed in the "Environment" field.

NOTE: To display the preboot screen, you must completely shut down the laptop and remove it from the docking station.

Cause

This is a Dell BIOS issue where no external video is displayed during the computer Power On Self-test that manifests only when the laptop is docked.

NOTE: This was previously documented by Dell in Doc ID 536275, which is no longer available.

Solution 1

Update July 2015
New Dell Latitude models listed above no longer ship with ability to disable the Optimus option in the BIOS. The earlier models had a multiplexed hybrid design where it was possible via the BIOS to work around this issue. The Dell Community site clarifies that this is no longer possible with newer models.

It's not possible for DE or EEPC to provide a workaround for this DELL hardware issue. Customers must contact Dell Support to discuss this design change.

Solution 2

Dell has released a new BIOS update that resolves this issue.

Update the laptops to the following BIOS releases (or later):

BIOS A14 - Dell Latitude e6530
BIOS A15 - Dell Latitude e6520
BIOS A14 - Dell Latitude e6430
BIOS A15 - Dell Latitude e6420
BIOS A10 - Dell Latitude e6220

Contact Dell or visit the Dell Support site to obtain these updates.

Workaround

If your Dell is an earlier model that allows it, disable Optimus in your BIOS settings.

Affected Products

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Knowledge Center

Preboot authentication screen doesn't display when some Dell Latitude laptops are docked

Environment

Problem

Cause

Solution 1

Solution 2

Workaround

Affected Products

Languages:

Title

Title

Knowledge Center

Preboot authentication screen doesn't display when some Dell Latitude laptops are docked

Environment

Problem

Cause

Solution 1

Solution 2

Workaround

Affected Products

Languages:

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