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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, the device requires Windows XP or Windows Vista x86 to run.
Contents
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.