Many business applications and web sites require you to log in with a unique user name and password before you can access them. A fingerprint reader allows you to log in by moving a finger across a sensor instead of typing on the keyboard. Many HP notebooks have a built-in fingerprint reader, as well as an access manager to keep track of the different user names and passwords that you regularly use. Regardless of the number of user names and passwords stored in the access manager, all you need is a single fingerprint to access them.
Not all models include fingerprint readers. The fingerprint reader can be easily identified as a small metallic sensor located near the keyboard or display.
Like any hardware device, a driver is required to control the fingerprint device, and the driver is designed for a specific operating system. The access manager software must read the signal from the fingerprint reader driver to logon to a secure site or application. If the access manager cannot communicate with the driver, because the driver is incompatible with either the software or the OS, the fingerprint reader will not work.
You are probably familiar with the barcode readers used in grocery stores. A barcode is a series of bars of variable width and spacing, which together form a distinct pattern. When a barcode reader scans this pattern on an item, the item is identified and its price sent to the cash register for tabulation.
Similarly, a fingerprint consists of a series of whorls and ridges on your fingertip, which together form a pattern that is unique to you. When the fingerprint reader on your notebook scans your fingerprint, you are identified and then granted access to your stored user names and passwords. User names and passwords are stored in logon accounts , which are configured and maintained in your notebook's access manager .
Whenever you open a web site or application for which you have created a logon account, a fingerprint icon appears on your screen. This lets you know that you only need your fingerprint to log in. Since your fingerprint is unique, the access manager does not allow anyone else access to your logon accounts.
After your fingerprint has been registered with the access manager and at least one logon account has been created, you simply swipe your finger across the fingerprint reader to use it.
To ensure that the fingerprint reader is getting a good image of your fingerprint:
- Hold your finger flat as you move it across the reader.
- Move your finger in a straight line without turning it sidewards.
- Move your finger slowly enough to allow time for the reader to recognize it.
Use the table to determine which access manager (also called credential manager software) was available at the time you purchased your notebook.
NOTE:HP Security Suite (version 3.x and 4.x for XP and Vista) was renamed as HP ProtectTools (version 5.x and 6.x for Vista and Windows 7).
The access manager program and fingerprint reader device driver are designed to work on specific models and operating systems. You may be able to update to a newer version of the program for the original configuration of your notebook on the HP support web site. However, you cannot upgrade to a different operating system .
For example:
- Verisoft and HP Security Suite are designed for XP and will not work in Windows 7.
- Digital Persona and HP ProtectTools are designed for Vista and Windows 7 and will not work in XP.
The drivers and programs available for one notebook model may not be compatible with other notebooks. If you choose to change the operating system of your notebook, HP may not provide drivers and programs, and the fingerprint reader may not work. When searching for drivers and programs, you must use the specific product number for your computer. See HP Notebook PCs - Locate the Notebook Product Number or Model Number .
Some access managers, such DigitalPersona, have components that modify other programs. These components allow the access manager to integrate select security features into those programs. For the most part, this integration is seamless but on occasion it may interfere with another program's operation.
This can result in:
- The program not working properly.
- The program periodically crashing.
- The program not responding.
To resolve this issue, try the following:
- Click Start , then click Computer to open Windows Explorer .
- In Windows Explorer , browse to the program's executable file. The executable file ends with the.exe file extension. Most programs install on the root hard disk drive (C:) in the Program Filesfolder, within individual folders.For example, Microsoft Access 2011 is located in the following location: Computer > C: > Program Files > Microsoft Office > Office14.
- Right-click the program's executable file and select Run as administrator from the pop-up menu.
- Click Start , enter the name of the access manager in the search field, then select the access manager from the search results list.
- In the access manager, expand the Password Manager item and select Settings , then uncheckPrompt to add logons for logon screens .
- Click Apply to save the settings and close the access manager window.
- Consult the help files or support web site for the program in question to learn how to disable add-ins.
- For Microsoft Office products, visit the Enable or disable add-ins in Office programs web page for instructions.
# Run the affected program with administrator privileges. This allows the program to run without security for as long as it is open, and prevents it from conflicting with the access manager.
# Disable the access manager logon prompt. This prevents the access manager from intercepting a program's request for a secure logon.
# Disable any add-ins installed by the access manager. Some programs, such as those in the Microsoft Office collection, allow other programs to install add-ins. If the access manager installed an add-in, that may be causing a conflict with the program.
There must be at least one Windows User Account on the notebook before setting up the fingerprint reader. If multiple people use the same notebook, each person must have a Windows User Account. The fingerprint reader can be configured to recognize each user and logon.
See Create a user account on the Microsoft web site for more information.
The first time that you use the fingerprint reader, you must enroll one or more fingerprints with the access manager so the fingerprint reader has a pattern to match. After you have enrolled a fingerprint, you can then start creating logon accounts for secure applications and web sites.
To set up the fingerprint reader:
- Click Start , type protect in the search field, then select the HP ProtectTools Security Manager from the search list.
- In the HP ProtectTools window, select Credentials then click Fingerprints .
- On the Fingerprints screen, enter your Windows password and click Next .
- Next, follow the onscreen instructions to register the first fingerprint (right index finger).
- Enroll a second fingerprint for added security.
- Click Save to complete the registration of your fingerprint enrollments.
- Finally, click Password Manager to expand it, click Settings and then select Prompt to add logons for logon screens .
- You may close the HP ProtectTools program now.
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.
To create a logon account for a web mail site:
- Browse to the web mail logon page. If the page is recognized as a secure logon page, the account manager widget appears.
- Click the account manager widget, then select the Add to Password Manager option.
- In the Add Logon to Password Manager window, enter your Username and Password for the site. If you need to add additional fields to the logon, such as Stay logged in or others, click the More fields button. Click OK to save the logon and close the window.
- In the next window, verify your identity by selecting the Fingerprints option and then scanning your enrolled finger.
- The access manager uses your newly created logon account to log you into the web mail site.
From now on, whenever you return to the registered web mail site, simply scan your fingerprint on the notebook fingerprint reader to log in automatically.
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.
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