Problems when Using a Smart Card to Log on to an Offline Computer

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Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

Symptom

You enable smart card authentication for local computers to use to log on to the domain and issue smart cards to users. However, users cannot use their smart card to log on to their local computers when they are offline.

Cause

The domain controller data may not be cached on the local computers so that users can log on successfully offline with their smart card.

Resolution

When a user is having problems logging on to their computer offline by using a smart card, verify that the user has logged on to the domain with the smart card at least one time before attempting to use the smart card offline. This allows the domain controller data to be cached so that the user can log on successfully offline with their smart card.