Microsoft has released a Hotfix (KB2800095) to fix a flaw that GoldKey Security Corporation reported in one of their drivers for USB ICCD smart cards. However, some customers have experienced issues with smart cards not being detected after installing this hotfix.

On affected machines GoldKey tokens are no longer properly detected. The Windows Device Manager will continue to populate the smart card readers and smart card categories, but with an exclamation mark beside the smart card. The device status will be displayed as “This device cannot start. (Code 10).”

In Microsoft’s description of the hotfix, they state that “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.” Unfortunately, this update has been installed automatically on some systems and had a negative impact.

We are currently working with Microsoft to resolve the issues with their driver. In the meantime, we recommend that you uninstall the KB2800095 Hotfix if you are experiencing the issues described above. To uninstall the hotfix:

  1. Open Control Panel, select Programs, Programs and Features, and then View installed updates.
  2. Select the KB2800095 Hotfix and click Uninstall.
  3. When the uninstallation is finished, do not choose to reboot.
  4. Go back to Control Panel, System and Security, Windows Update and click on Check for Updates.
  5. Select to view the available important updates and right-click on KB2800095.
  6. Choose “Hide update.”
  7. Reboot your computer.