I have a VPN connection to my workplace that uses a certificate under EAP. When setting up the properties for this connection under Security>EAP>Properties, the "Use my smart card" is selected as default. When I change this to "Use a certificate on this computer" and make the proper settings; I close the properties and attempt to establish the VPN connection and receive the following error: "Cannot load dialog. Error 764: No smart card reader is installed." If I go back into the properties, the settings have defaulted back to "Use my smart card" and the other settings are gone. I am attempting this using a local admin account so I don't think permissions are a problem. I have also established this VPN many times under XP Pro with no problems. I can also establish this connection using Win 7 on a desktop machine. The only problems I seem to encounter are when setting it up with Win 7 on a laptop computer. Any help is appreciated.

Hello Rich, Thanks for your post. I did a similar test in my lab laptop and cannot reproduce the issue. Could you please make some screenshots for this so we can get clearer on this issue. Please also get your Windows 7 fully updated. Besides, what version of Windows 7 is used in your laptop? Is it a retailed or OEM version? Thanks. Regards, MiyaThis posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. | Please remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

I have since solved this issue. This problem occurs if you have software installed on the laptop for a broadband internet card from ether Verizon (VZaccess) or Spring (SmartView). This fix is simple; uninstall the software, make your VPN settings (they will stick this time). Then reinstall the software for the broadband cards. The settigns will remain in place. I'm not sure the underlying problem here but it does work. I had this problem on 3 laptops, each with one or both of the above broadband software, and had the VPN set up issue. Uninstalling fixed them all. Jeff Rich

Thanks for posting this. Running into identical problem after countless EAP/User Certificate installations on client computers. This one machine that's putting up a fight does in fact have the Verizon Mobile Broadband software so I am hoping once removed I'll be all set.

I am having the same issue on several Dell Latitude laptops running Windows 7 Ultimate. The latest one is my new laptop and was built using the OEM load. I have patched the laptop and loaded the latest BIOS and other needed updates. Any ideas? Thanks. Al