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I think I know the answer to this question, but I have to ask anyway. I am running 64-bit Windows (Vista or Windows 7) and I cannot get 64-bit drivers for the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader. It is really annoying that Microsoft continues to sell a product for which they refuse to fully support. This is the only piece of hardware that I cannot use on Windows 64-bit edition.

This is the most comprehensive thread I have found to date. I would even accept the fact that it is a hardware limitation, but I just don't understand why they don't sell an upgraded version that supports 64-bit.

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    Fun facts about the MythBusters using a moistened regular photocopy to fool such devices at youtube.com/watch?v=LA4Xx5Noxyo :-)
    – Arjan
    Jul 15, 2009 at 15:44
  • See also: superuser.com/questions/595/… Jul 16, 2009 at 7:33
  • To anyone with this situation, i just called (4/4/11) the supplemental parts line, and they are sending me a check! =)
    – user74903
    Apr 4, 2011 at 18:07

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According to this blog post by Mike Swanson the following is Microsoft's official statement in this regard. I recall being told about this during Tech-Ed last year as well.

Thanks for your interest in Microsoft Hardware products.
The Fingerprint Reader is no longer being manufactured by Microsoft but we recognize it may still be available from retailers and resellers. The product runs on 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Microsoft will not be releasing any updates for the product to run on 64-bit versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista. The product is not supported on Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit). To ensure this is clear to our customers, the product will not install on Windows 7 (the user is warned that the application will not run). If you currently use the Fingerprint Reader and are unable to use your product with 64-bit versions of Windows XP or Windows Vista or the Windows 7 beta release, please visit the following Web site for assistance:

Source Microsoft Support.

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  • While the rebate answer is awesome, this response most accurately answers my question.
    – Page
    Jul 19, 2009 at 3:11
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It looks like Microsoft is offering users a refund due to the fact that they will not be providing 64-bit drivers.

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  • That rocks! I will have to try that out!
    – Page
    Jul 19, 2009 at 3:09
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It seems that there is a working solution for 64-bit Windows and Microsoft Fingerprint Reader:

http://teknogods.com:8081/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8653

Just register and download files...

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    While this link may answer the question, it is better to include the essential parts of the answer here and provide the link for reference. Link-only answers can become invalid if the linked page changes.
    – HackToHell
    Aug 11, 2012 at 1:07
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    Annnnnnd... The link is dead. Mar 28, 2014 at 8:26
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That might be the only piece of hardware you own right now that you can't use with the 64-bit edition, but certainly is not the only piece out there. Because of Microsoft's increased certification requirements for 64-bit drivers, you might have a hard time down the road as well...doing the research beforehand will save a lot of trouble (and perhaps convince you to stick with the 32-bit system for now).

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  • Sure, but this is branded as a Microsoft product! Don't you find it a little ironic that they aren't supporting their own hardware on their own OS? Switching back to 32-bit is out of the question, I need support for at least 4GB of RAM :)
    – Page
    Jul 15, 2009 at 18:54
  • You can do 4GB...just not any more :) I agree it's ridiculous - but it's by no means purely a Microsoft-based problem. Jul 15, 2009 at 18:58
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You will not be able to use the discontinued Microsoft Fingerprint Reader with Vista 64 bit or Windows 7 64 bit Operating Systems now or in the future. Therefore Microsoft is issuing a full refund, all you have to do is call Microsoft Supplemental Parts line (US only) at 1-800-360-7561. You will be asked to provide the unique PID # on the back of the unit and your mailing address so they can issue your refund check. Be aware, PID #'s are unique and will be used to confirm that a refund has not already been issued.

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