Why is remote SmartCard not found when using RDP

Question

I'm using Windows Server 2008 R2 which runs a VB6.0 application that uses a smartcard locally.

I then connect to this machine remotely using Remote Desktop Connection (6.3). However now the application shows the following error (SmartCard):

0x8010001d The Smart card resource manager is not running.

Research so far:

• I don't want to use redirection as the card is on the remote machine already.
• Using RDP the way I am trying to use it for is wrong and tightVNC is more appropriate (This does fix the issue)
• Unsure - SCardEstablishContext API is returning that error because it gets an Access Denied error when trying to open an event called "Global\Microsoft Smart Card Resource Manager Started" with OpenEvent API. The default security for that event on Vista and Windows 7 specifies that only SYSTEM, LOCAL SERVICE and INTERACTIVE users have access to it. NETWORK SERVICE or non-interactive users won’t be able to access the event.

Why is the SmartCard not being recognised?

Any Information would be appreciated.

NOTE: The smartcard works fine when the application is on Windows Server 2008 R2 - however only fails when connecting remotely.

Answer 1

Before you create your Remote Desktop session, click on "Show options". Under the "Local Resources" tab there is a "Local devices and resources" panel. Click the "More" button.

Click on "Smart Cards". No complete the remote desktop session.

Answer 2

It is not possible, you can't use the locally plugged smartcard of the server you RDP into, as your session is redirected to the client then only the clients smartcard is accessible in the rdp session. Microsoft made it like this for security reasons. But there is a turn around, like sharing the device (smartcard reader, Usb token, Usb devices ) using software or hardware : softawre examples (i only found paid solutions), see link or hardware using a Device server but it doesn't work through WAN only LAN.