MilitaryCAC's Use your CAC on Windows 8

NOTE: One VERY Annoying problem with using the Windows 8 built in Smart Card Utility [as well as the ActivClient 7.0.1.x / 7.0.2.x] is when using Outlook Web App (OWA) aka web.mail.mil. You may be prompted for your PIN constantly [to the point where you will want to throw your computer out of the window]. Windows 7 users had the option to install ActivClient 6.2.0.x to cache the PIN. However, since the current 6.2.0.x version of ActivClient do not work on Windows 8, Both Coolkey & CSSi did not experience this very annoying issue for me in my tests (Coolkey is not helping some navy personnel with the annoying PIN prompt). CSSi did require me to "activate" my CAC each time I inserted the CAC into the reader. See #2 below for links.

The basic CAC installation on Windows 8 is no different than it is for Windows 7, Vista, or XP, other than...

1. When installing the ApproveIt software [Army users only]. The ApproveIt page has specifics.

2. PLEASE KNOW: Installing ActivClient 6.2.x.x or 6.1.x.x may make your CAC NOT work. You "may" be able to use the Windows 8 built in Smart Card utility if you have Windows 8 Professional.

NOTE: Most people who have the Windows 8 BASIC edition [shows only as Windows 8] are unable to get it to work [except for Navy personnel]. So, if it doesn't work for you, you have the following four solutions:

A. Upgrade to Windows 8 Professional

B. Install ActivClient 7.0.1 ARMY users can download 7.0.1 (32bit)(64bit) from AKO. All other branches [and anyone wanting 7.0.2] can purchase it from: SCB Solutions.

C. Purchase and install CSSi for Windows (currently only available from SCB Solutions)

D. Download Smart Card Manager 1.0.1-6-1 Installer for Windows. [Alternate download link].

Windows 8 uses Internet Explorer 10. The same problems we have with IE 9 have crossed over to IE 10 in regards to problems with Government websites. Follow this guide to remedy most of them.

3. Users using Outlook Web Access 2003 may see this when trying to check their email in IE 10 with Windows 8:

OWA2003IE10 image

Here is what it says (if you really wanted to know :)

OWA2003IE image text

Internet Explorer 10 is not compatible with Outlook Web Access 2003. You can however, use Compatibility view by clicking the little 'torn paper' icon in the web address line.

Compatibility view image

4. Users who are using Kaspersky [antivirus] and trying to get to DTS may have issues. Read more here

"This is a known issue with Java, Windows 8 and Kaspersky [antivirus]. Kaspersky is working on an automated fix, but for now please try this workaround:

Open Kaspersky 2013
Click Settings
Click Application control
Click Applications
Look for Oracle America (this is the Java and it should be trusted already)
Open each item in that folder using double click
Under the tab Exclusions check all 5 checkboxes and click OK"

A person also had to exclude all of the Java Platform SE binary entries under the Oracle "+" button as well.

Please look on the back of your CAC above the black magnetic strip, you will see either: "Gemalto TOP DL GX4 144" (see example below) or "Oberthur ID One 128 v5.5 Dual" (see example below). Since Windows 8 has a built in Smart Card utility, you "may" be able to use your CAC without the need of ActivClient.

Another guide to help figure out which CAC you have

image of 144 CAC Oberther 5.5 CAC image

Which CAC do I have video

Read more about the older CACs and replacing them

If you have questions or suggestions for this site, contact Michael J. Danberry

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Disclaimer

Last Update or Review: Wednesday, 08 May 2013 17:18 hrs

The following domain names all resolve to the same website: ChiefsCACSite.com, CommonAccessCard.us, CommonAccessCard.info, & ChiefGeek.us