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 is currently discontinued. The underlying software providing the biometrics was developed by Digital Persona. First released on September 4, 2004, the device requires Windows XP or Windows Vista x86 to run.

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.

Driver Support

Currently only x86 (32-bit) support for Windows XP and Vista exist.

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

However, there is a published workaround, 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

Firefox Browser Support

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

See also

• Fingerprint
• Fingerprint Verification Competition
• Biometrics

External links

• MS Fingerprint home page