Using the Digital Persona Fingerprint Reader

Understanding the Persona Integrated Fingerprint Reader

Many business applications and web sites require users to enter a unique user name and password before accessing the protected information. A fingerprint reader allows you to logon to a protected site by moving a finger across a sensor instead of typing on the keyboard. A fingerprint reader is built into the case of many, but not all, HP computers. The Fingerprint Logon Manager allows you to logon to multiple applications and web sites with your fingerprint. The Fingerprint Logon Manager keeps track of the different sites you use along with the different names and passwords.

When you open a website or a program to the logon page for which you have set up a fingerprint logon, the DigitalPersona Personal fingerprint reader icon appears in the system tray. If you see the icon, you can logon using your fingerprint. When you swipe your finger to logon, the Fingerprint Logon Manager automatically enters the correct user name and password. This is much easier than trying to remember and type all of the different pieces of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

You are probably familiar with the barcode reader used in a grocery store. When you purchase an item, the checkout clerk scans the item across a barcode reader and the system identifies the item and the price.

A fingerprint reader operates in a similar fashion. When you move your finger across the fingerprint reader, the computer identifies you and allows you to access the computer or the protected program or website. Since your fingerprint is unique, it will not allow anyone else to use your user name or password.

Not all models include fingerprint readers.

On HP notebook PCs, the fingerprint reader is a small metallic sensor located near the keyboard or display. By swiping your finger across the metallic sensor you can logon to the PC, a network, or open a program.

Fingerprint readers are a very secure means of logging into your computer because no one else in the world has the same fingerprint as you. With a fingerprint reader, your username and password are entered into a form by simply swiping your finger across the reader. The fingerprint reader uses the Fingerprint Logon Manager to manage the different usernames and passwords for different web sites and applications for you.

There must be at least one User Account on the PC before setting up the fingerprint reader. If multiple people use the same PC, each person must have a user account. The fingerprint reader can recognize each user and logon to the correct account.

After the fingerprint reader is set up, you simply swipe your finger across the fingerprint reader to use it.

If you are having trouble getting the fingerprint reader to recognize your fingerprint, here are a few things that you can do to ensure that the fingerprint reader is getting a good image of your fingerprint:

The first time that you use the fingerprint reader, you must enroll your fingerprint(s) with the Fingerprint Enrollment Wizard so the reader has a pattern to match. After you have enrolled your fingerprint(s), all you have to do to log in is swipe your finger across the fingerprint reader.

To set up the fingerprint reader, follow the steps below.

Click Start , All Programs , DigitalPersona Personal , Fingerprint Enrollment Wizard , and then click Next .

After registering your fingerprint(s), you can log off the user account, and then use your enrolled fingerprints to log on to Windows. HP recommends that you enroll at least two fingerprints.

After you have enrolled your fingerprint(s), you can logon to Windows by simply swiping your finger across the fingerprint reader instead of typing your password in the Windows logon screen.

If you want to use a different finger to log into the same account, you can clear your fingerprints, and then set up the fingerprint reader again to read a different fingerprint. This process will not affect your ability to access your Windows Vista account. You will be able to do so by manually inputting your user name and password, as before.

Alternately, you create another account, in addition to the account for which you have already registered a finger, then you can use a different finger to log into the new account. You can register up to five fingers.

To delete your enrolled fingerprint(s), click the highlighted finger(s) and confirm that you want to delete them when prompted.

Yes, multiple users can log into the same PC with the fingerprint reader if each has their own user account.

See also

HP Notebook PCs - Setting Up a Fingerprint Reader Using Verisoft Access Manager

HP Notebook PCs - Using Fingerprint Reader to Login to Applications and Web Sites