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Smart Card Is Locked After Changing the PIN by Using a Non-Microsoft Tool

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Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

Symptom

A non-Microsoft tool is used to change the smart card personal identification number (PIN), and the smart card is left in the reader. When applications on the computer try to access network resources, the smart card is blocked.

Cause

This problem occurs because the computer cannot update the cached credentials with the new PIN. This behavior is by design and occurs on computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Resolution

To work around this issue, do one of the following:

  • Use the tool that was used to change the smart card PIN to unblock the smart card.

  • After you change the smart card PIN, lock and then unlock the computer by using the new PIN to assure that the smart card is not blocked.