Q. I'm trying to access my smart card in Windows Virtual PC but my VPN software says the card can't be read correctly. How can I make it work?

A. Windows Virtual PC has integration features that allow certain types of devices to be shared between the host computer and the virtual machine (VM), including audio devices, clipboard, printers, drives, and smart cards. However, when you share devices, the device is typically virtualized over the Remote Desktop Protocol. The VM will see a generic smart card and won't function correctly. Because the smart card is shared, you can't directly map the smart card into the VM using the USB attach menu, as shown here.

The solution is to temporarily turn off the integration features. Attach the USB smart card reader, ensure the right drivers are installed and that it functions, detach the device, then enable the integration features again. The smart card should now function using standard smart card sharing. Below are more detailed steps.

Enable the integration features again and the smart card should be available and working, because you have the right drivers in the VM.