Initializing a Smart Card With the PIN Initialization Tool

Prerequisites:

Ensure that your smart card is in standalone Smart card with pre-loaded applets issued by the manufacturer. mode and compatible with the tool.

Refer to the list of supported standalone smart cards.

Important:

  • Repeated attempts to initialize a smart card that is not in a supported configuration can render the smart card permanently unusable.

  • If the smart card is already initialized, the PIN Initialization Tool will reformat the card. All content present on the card (including private keys) will be permanently deleted.

To initialize your standalone smart card:

  1. ClosedAccess the PIN Initialization Tool.

  • Through the Windows Start menu:

    1. On the left end of the Windows taskbar, select the Start icon Windows Start icon to open the Start menu.

    2. Navigate to the programs or apps directory in and select PIN Initialization Tool under ActivID ActivClient.

  • Using the ActivClient Agent menu:

    1. Left-click or right-click the ActivClient Agent icon in the Windows notification area (located at the right end of the taskbar).

    2. Select PIN Initialization Tool.

  • From the User Console:

    1. Open the User Console.

    2. Go to the Tools menu, and select New Card.

      User Console with Tools selected.

    • In the Start page of the Microsoft Windows ‘modern’ interface, click on the PIN Initialization Tool tile .

  1. In the PIN Initialization Tool dialog, enter your new PIN code.

    Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.

    The PIN code must meet the PIN conditions displayed by the tool. All the conditions must display a green check for the PIN Initialization Tool to let you proceed.

    Pin Initialization Tool.

  2. Confirm the new PIN, and click Next.

    If the card has already been initialized, you must enter a PIN or unlock code to proceed. All content present on the card (including private keys) will be permanently deleted.

    PIN Initialization Tool reinitialize dialog

  3. When the initialization is complete, the Finish window is displayed. If an unlock code is displayed, make sure to write it down and store it in a secure location.

    PIN Initialization dialog with the unlock code displayed.

Important: Entering too many incorrect PINs will lock your smart card. To unlock it, you’ll need the unlock code. Be sure to view and securely record your unlock code to prevent losing access to your smart card.

  1. Click Finish to close the tool.