Log on to a computer with a smart card

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To log on to a computer with a smart card

At the Windows Server 2003 family logon screen, insert your smart card in the smart card reader.
Type the personal identification number (PIN) for the smart card when prompted by your computer.

Notes

You must prepare the smart card by creating the appropriate credentials before using it to log on to the computer. For more information on preparing a smart card, see Related Topics.
If the PIN you enter is recognized as legitimate, this logs you on to the computer and to the Windows Server 2003 family domain, based on the permissions assigned to your user account by the domain administrator.
If you enter the incorrect PIN for a smart card several times in a row, you will be unable to log on to the computer using that smart card. The number of allowable invalid logon attempts before lockout occurs varies according to the smart card manufacturer. Contact your administrator for assistance.
If you insert the smart card backwards or upside down, the smart card reader will not work. However, you may be prompted for a PIN which will not work. Follow the directions for your specific model of card reader to understand which way to insert the smart card.
Smart card logon only works for computers that are joined to a domain.

Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.