Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

Exterior of Fingerprint Reader

Microsoft Fingerprint Reader was a device that was sold by Microsoft primarily targeted at home and small business users which has been discontinued. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona. First released on September 4, 2004,[1] the device requires Windows XP or Windows Vista x86 to run.[2]

Functionality

Users could register any finger up to ten since the software has the capability to store all ten fingers for a single user. Login names and passwords associated with the registered finger prints are stored in a database located in the user's computer. When needed, the software interactively sends the login names and passwords to compatible applications and websites, which can be used to perform the login operation automatically.

Application

Such a device could be useful in a public environment, where it may prevent others from seeing passwords from being keyed in. However, it's more of a convenience than a true access control system. Biological verification is novel but susceptible to change. Using the finger-printer was easy, but technology has since moved to more integrated touch screen technology.

Driver support

Microsoft support site states there is no support for Windows 7.

However, there is a workaround for Windows 7 (32-bit only), which involves using ORCA to modify the installer package in such a way that it no longer is recognized by the application compatibility assistant.

These instructions are available here:

http://www.blogfeld.com/2009/10/microsoft-fingerprint-reader-windows-7.html

Solution for 64-bit Windows

The solution for 64-bit Windows has been created:

http://teknogods.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8653

In addition, the similar solution is available for 32-bit Windows versions. In order to download files you need to register and to log in to the forum.

The solution has been successfully tested on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.

Firefox browser support

The reader works with Firefox using the FingerFox Add-on.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Robert McMillan (2006-03-06). "Researcher Hacks Microsoft Fingerprint Reader". IDG News Service. Retrieved 2006-05-04.
  2. ↑ "Microsoft Fingerprint system requirements". Retrieved 2009-06-05.
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