1. First: Check physical setup
- Reader should be plugged directly into PC (not USB hub)
- Try different USB port
- Ensure no other readers are connected at same time
2. Reinstall correct drivers:
- Use official OMNIKEY drivers from https://www.hidglobal.com/
- Uninstall any conflicting drivers
- Disable "HID-compliant smart card reader" in Device Manager
3. Run as Administrator:
- Right-click ATR Tool → Run as Admin
- Same with CardPeek
4. Turn off antivirus:
- Temporarily disable Windows Defender / Avast / Kaspersky
- Add exception for ATR Tool / CardPeek
- Don't run on infected machines
5. Test with known-good blank card:
- Try J2A040, JCOP ENGLISH, X2 Dongle
- Avoid re-used cards
- Always verify PAN before writing
6. Use clean OS environment:
- Preferably Windows 10 x64
- Or virtual machine with direct USB passthrough
- Never try on Windows 11 unless updated firmware used
7. Match language + kernel data:
- Use JCOP ENGLISH for U.S. BINs
- Language = 'en'
- Issuer Code Table = Chase / BoA / Capital One
8. If using ATR Tool:
- Make sure firmware supports your chip type
- Use latest verified version (not cracked)
- Don't mix with virused files
9. Try alternative software:
- pyApduTool (GitHub version only)
- MagStripe Studio
- Proxmark3 (for reading only)
10. If still failing:
- Test with another reader (e.g., SCM Microsystems)
- Try different laptop/PC
- Ask trusted sellers for clean ATR Tool files