Home > Consumer Reviews > Microsoft Fingerprint Reader

This product basically is used for home users. Things it does well:
1. Pretty accurate at reading your finger.
2. Easy to install
3. Keeps track of passwords for websites (Just what we need :( another password manager)

Things it doesn't do:
1. If you are a business and want to use this as another authentication to logging in, forget it. Cant login to a domain attached computer.
2. Doens't provide any extra security, which you would think it would.
3. the LED that is used to read your finger is ALWAYS on and it's pretty annoying. You have to turn it over when you are not using it, especially in a dark environment.

For a company that is supposed to be more security aware this product from microsoft is a complete failure.

One of the main reasons I bought the reader was to eliminate the constant typing of my password when returning from a screensaver (password protected return).
For some reason, the fingerprint reader is ignored for this "locked computer" situation. The only way back in that I've found is to type the password.
And I've found no support at Microsoft or the software maker.
Everything else works fine, though.

This finger reader is good. All the websites I access that needs logging in, I have bookmarked and I use my finger print to log in. Saves a lot of time. But this works only with Internet Explorer. When I tried using it with firefox, the software does not recognize the page as one requiring a log in. But otherwise its a time saver if you access a lot of websites requiring logins on a regular basis. The fingerprint reader works well with windows login and microsoft office files that you have set to be password protected. The product does not work with computers on a domain.

The Microsoft Fingerprint Reader is a nice way to be able to log into your Windows Account and to various websites using Internet Explorer. Overall, the product is very easy to use and works well. There are currently three small issues that reduce the rating to 4 stars: First, the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader is currently only compatible with Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Firefox and Opera users will need to wait until the compatibility has been addressed. As far as Firefox is concerned, I do know of a few add-ons that can be used, but I have not found any to be really easy to use for recommendation here. Also, on some rare occasions, the fingerprint reader does not recognize the user after turning the computer on from hibernate mode. Simply unplug the device and then replug it back in if this should happen. Lastly, the Fingerprint Reader software does not allow the user to turn the Windows XP Switch User functionality on or off after the software is installed. The entire DigitalPersona software must be uninstalled before log in changes can be made. Users who continue to use the classic log in screen (Windows XP Home or Pro) and have not wished for such Switch User functionality for security reasons need not worry, as this will not affect your usage.

Yeah, I bought TWO of these MS fingerprint gadgets thinking to myself, "WOW, this thing is really cool." Set up was very easy (plug-n-play). Well, the thing worked well for a while, but then things began to decline. Some websites don't let the fingerprint reader at all. Sometimes the reader is responsive, and other times is does not respond well at all (despite cleaning with tape). Sometimes a menu pops up in the bottom right-hand corner of the computer screen and doesn't log you on at all. Now for some reason, the the reader has stopped working on my home computer altogether. The initial coolness factor has worn out. Im back to typing in my passwords and log-on names.

ADVICE: Save your money for a better gadget because this is not worth the hassle over the long-haul.