Summary: Microsoft Virtual PC and Virtual Server say that they don't work with USB smartcards, but you can trick it to work by using Remote Desktop.
The Microsoft site says the following about Virtual PC 2004:
Similarly, about Virtual Server 2005, it says:
Although it may be true that Virtual PC and Virtual Server don't directly support USB smartcards, you can work-around this issue by doing the following:
The Microsoft site says the following about Virtual PC 2004:
Standard USB input devices such as keyboards and mice are supported through PS/2 emulation, but Virtual PC does not support USB devices that require their own drivers.
Similarly, about Virtual Server 2005, it says:
Virtual Server currently does not support USB hardware such as smart card readers and scanners. However, standard USB input hardware, such as keyboard and pointing devices, are supported.
Although it may be true that Virtual PC and Virtual Server don't directly support USB smartcards, you can work-around this issue by doing the following:
- In the Guest OS virtual machine (i.e. inside The Matrix if you know what I mean), go into the System control panel, Remote tab and enable Remote Desktop. You'll also need to make sure any firewall in the Guest OS allows port 3389 (Remote Desktop). The System control panel automatically configures the Windows Firewall appropriately.
- In your real Host OS, run Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop Connection, or run mstsc.exe from the command line.
- Enter in the hostname or IP address of the Guest OS virtual machine.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
- Click Options, then click the Local Resources tab and make sure there's a checkbox next to "Smart cards".Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. - Click Connect, login to the Guest OS and run apps, etc. that use your smartcard via the Remote Desktop connection.
