On a Windows Vista-based computer, the Smart Card Resource Manager may stop responding if a USB hub is disconnected from the computer while an application is communicating with a smart card reader

Consider the following scenario. You connect a USB Chip/Smart Card Interface Devices (CCID) smart card reader to a Windows Vista-based computer through an external USB hub. Then, the USB hub is disconnected from the computer while an application is communicating with the smart card reader. In this scenario, the Smart Card Resource Manager may stop responding (hang).

After the Smart Card Resource Manager stops responding, you cannot stop the Smart Card Resource Manager by using Task Manager. Additionally, you cannot access the smart card reader even if the USB hub is plugged into the computer again. In this case, you have to restart the computer.

Note This problem does not occur if the smart card reader is directly connected to the computer.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, 32-bit versions

Windows Vista, 64-bit versions

Windows Vista, Itanium-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information about smart card drivers, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:For more information about Smart Card Resource Manager, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: