Fingerprint Reader: Can it be set without Windows Pasword?

[riceboy54]

I was wondering how to configure the fingerprint reader to be the only way of getting into windows. Right now I have it set as "Secure Mode" and it still allows windows login via password if u use "clr-alt-del".

Thanks!!

[davidspalding]

I'm not sure you CAN completely disable the keyboard based method, but I AM SURE that you really ought NOT to, for safety's sake. If your fingerprint hardware/software goes T.U., you want a backup.

There IS an option in my version of Client Security Solution to "Hide CTRL + ALT + DEL hints in logon screens," and I selected that. Makes it LOOK like you can't get in without a fingerprint. Probably fools novices, should that happen, and doesn't risk you being locked out of your own pc.

Part of the formal definition of trusted or "secure" systems is that they are available for legit use. If you lock yourself out, you've done "too much security."

[riceboy54]

If you lock yourself out, you've done "too much security." Wink

Haha thats very true. I just couldn't figure out the real use of the fingerprint scanner if you could login via password. I guess its the ease of a fingerswip vs typing a password.

Anyway, thanks for the help!

[davidspalding]

More than that, you can use the CSS with the fingerprint scanner to recall passwords in any application (Word, IE, Firefox, etc.). Sometimes no faster than just typing a password, but if the password is a long, really gnarly one (like we use at work, requiring circus-performer type contortions from my left hand), it is very nice.

I thought the fingerprint scanner was a needless "dunsel" for a personal computer for private use, but now that I've used it, I'm like that guy in the (US) advert with Steve Austin, erm, Lee Majors. I'm using it increasingly.

And I should add, if you enable a power-on password, and replace it with a fingerprint in CSS (a misleading setting, as you can still hit ESC and type your power-on password with the keyboard), you can have CSS use the power-on fingerprint swipe (NOT the key-entered password) to authenticate in Windows and log you on. I love that feature. I can turn on, swipe, walk away (at home mind you) and the system comes up to the Windows desktop. Niiiiiiiice!