Microsoft's Fingerprint Reader for Windows XP

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Back in 2004, Microsoft released a fingerprint reader for Windows XP machines. It sucked as a security product, but could actually be kinda useful if you wanted to easily switch between user accounts on a shared system. So let's see what it could do!

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Outro Music: Silent Partner - Bet On It

Some materials in this video are used under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, which allows "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, and research.

#MichaelMJD #Microsoft #WindowsXP

[HrutkayMods]

I still have mine. I bought brand new right when it came out… used to annoy my mother because she couldn’t use my computer 🤣

[BrooksterMax]

I’m surprised at how functional and useful it was. Fast switching between accounts was very cool.

[TheYoungestCollector]

“I’ve associated my middle finder with the Dr Breen account so we’ll give Dr Breen the middle finger there...”-Micheal MJD 2024.

[YondanDrill]

Microsoft: What an inconvenience using a password!
Microsoft: Is suggested using a password to protect your information because this tool won't do it

[meolsei]

The Dr. Breen "f**k you" was a perfect nod.

[TweeterMan]

Microsoft actually had a rebate program for 64 bit users of later versions of Windows. You would call a certain number and give them your hardware info for your scanner, and they would mail you a $35 dollar check.

Source: did that myself

[BluewindsLegacy]

Watching these vintage XP videos makes me miss XP more and more. (don't miss the security vulnerabilities..)

[terrancesean]

"I'll give Dr.Breen the middle finger"
Barney vibes "IF YOU SEE DR.BREEN TELL HIM I SAID FUCK YOU

[RooMan]

We had this at my school library to take out books back in 2007 or so.

[BillDevon]

Installed those in the office back in 2005 - Not for security - For convenience - All staff had their own accounts available on all the terminals. They could just hit the fingerprint reader and go straight to their own account - Very convenient like you say a 6:30 👍👍👍

[ArchonZach]

I can just see someone's sibling running into the family office and putting their finger on the reader while you're playing runescape lmao

[esotericusername]

I have an XP era Microsoft keyboard with one of these built in! I use it as my main keyboard

[GeomancerHT]

Besides the fingerprint not being encrypted, you cannot do anything against just printing a photocopy of a captured fingerprint, or making a silicone finger if you happen to get a print on a plasticine mold.

We presented proof of concept attacks to my university back in 2005-2006, it was extremely easy to share fingerprints/login credentials.

[tajriyan]

If there's one thing I must say, it's that the algorithm has been shoving this one video everytime and everywhere I open YouTube. (Literally. Any device.)
Congrats, you caught my attention.

[nonamespecified]

Wow, this actually seems like a very well designed product with many QoL features, especially on the software side, apart from the lack of encryption of course

[LouiesWorkshop]

I think we need to see if it works on Windows 10/11!

[cahnce]

I may be young, I should be playing the new call of duty... but I always love to see old tech like this from before my time! keep doing what your doing!

[EightOneGulf]

Back somewhere in the 2000's i won that exact fingerprint scanner on some random website. Being somewhat naive i put in my adres information, but i actually got it in the mail a couple of weeks later.

The novelty quickly wore off tough, because it was more a hassle to use the fingerprint sensor than to enter your password.

[TheDZHEX]

"Firefox [..] with a third party addon called 'Fingerfox' "
...
_inhales_
...
_thinks_
...
ok, no.

[abdelali]

3:29 install software first before plugging a USB device? Truly a Plug & Pray Microsoft moment