Resolve Signing API smartcard or reader issues

The latest Signing API performs enhanced validation when accessing your smartcard certificates. As a result, it may identify issues with smartcards or smartcard readers that were not previously detected.

If you receive a Signing API error, the resolution depends on the type of smartcard you are using.

This error can occur because:

• the correct OEM reader driver is not installed
• the smartcard has corrupted certificates and needs to be replaced

What you need to do

Check your reader driver

First contact your local IT support team and ask them to verify that:

• the correct OEM smartcard reader driver is installed.
• the OEM driver is correctly associated with the smartcard reader hardware.
• the smartcard reader is operating correctly within Windows

In many cases, Windows will install a generic smartcard reader driver. While this may allow the reader to be detected, it may not provide the functionality required by the latest Signing API.

Your IT team should install or restore the hardware manufacturer's recommended driver where applicable.

Replace the smartcard

If the correct OEM driver is installed but you still see the error while your smartcard is being accessed by the Signing API, you'll need to contact your Registration Authority to arrange a replacement smartcard.

Once your replacement has been issued and activated, you should be able to continue using the Signing API normally. Find your Registration Authority.

If you are using a series 9 or series 10 smartcard and receive the Signing API error, the issue is most likely related to the smartcard reader or its installed driver, rather than the smartcard itself.

What you need to do

Contact your local IT support team and ask them to verify that:

• the correct OEM smartcard reader driver is installed.
• the OEM driver is correctly associated with the smartcard reader hardware.
• the smartcard reader is operating correctly within Windows

In many cases, Windows will install a generic smartcard reader driver. While this may allow the reader to be detected, it may not provide the functionality required by the latest Signing API.

Your IT team should install or restore the hardware manufacturer's recommended driver where applicable. For more information on drivers and their importance, see why smartcard reader drivers matter.