Programmer Created FingerPrint Identifiers

SoftwareShield System Feature Guide > FingerPrinting / Machine Locking > Programmer Created FingerPrint Identifiers

## Programmer Created FingerPrint Identifiers

Aside from the 23 FingerPrint Option flags that the SoftwareShield System gives you, you may require FingerPrinting based on a value or set of values which is not included. Or, you may simply wish to include your own FingerPrinting algorithm. Doing so is relatively simple. You can use your own algorithms either alone, or in combination with a set of options SoftwareShield provides.

Although it is not necessary at all because the SoftwareShield FingerPrint options are comprehensive and well implemented, if you do wish to use your own FingerPrint values, all you have to do is:

1. Calculate your value(s) from whatever system information you choose using whatever method you choose. The value must be a string or converted into a string format. Although new-line characters are permitted they are not recommended. A single string value is preferred.

2. Call the ClientProtector function SetPrependedFingerPrintString, passing your string. This call must be made before you call StartUp. The call must be made with the exact same string value every time or the FingerPrint internally calculated will be different.

#### More Information

For help on viewing what effect your prepended FingerPrint Value will have on the actual FingerPrint, see the SoftwareShield FingerPrint Viewer Reference.

For help on actually setting your own FingerPrint value, see SetPrependedFingerPrintString in the SoftwareShield ClientProtector Reference.