Different devices (like magnetic stripe writers such as MSR605/MSR606 or RFID readers like ACR122U) require different settings in their INI files.
Before diving into its specific application in smart card configuration, it is essential to understand how cardtool.ini is structured. Because it is a plain text file, you can easily open and edit it using basic text editors like Microsoft Notepad or advanced editors like VS Code or Notepad++. The layout follows a strict hierarchical standard :
The explicit string, boolean, or hexadecimal variable assigned to the key (e.g., 0x02 or 170b ).
: Users often edit this file to set the clock frequency (MHz) at which a smartcard operates to ensure compatibility or improve decryption speed. File Structure cardtool.ini
can help test if the reader is functional before you manually edit Advanced Card Systems Ltd Smart Cards & Smart Card Reader Software and Utility Tools
[Settings] ; Port configuration (COM1, COM2, etc.) Port=COM1 ; Baud rate (9600, 19200, 115200) BaudRate=9600 ; Parity (None, Odd, Even) Parity=None
Whether the reader acts as a Raw Data reader or a parsed ID parser. Different devices (like magnetic stripe writers such as
If you are experiencing issues with your TokenWorks scanner, are you sure you are updating the correct .ini file, or might it be a newer settings.ini file in the hidden ProgramData folder? I can help you locate the proper file if you can confirm your device model.
What or unexpected behavior are you encountering? What operating system is hosting your card tool software?
Below is the standard text structure for a cardtool.ini file: Standard Configuration Template The layout follows a strict hierarchical standard :
Because cardtool.ini often handles security parameters, leaving it unmanaged poses a massive vulnerability. Implement these security practices to protect your data:
[Device] ; Specific device model (e.g., MSR605, ACR122U) Model=Generic ; Timeout in milliseconds Timeout=1000
Before proceeding, you must be aware of the significant risks associated with cardtool.ini and CardTool.
While many modern AgeVisor Touch scanners use settings.ini or similar configurations, older CardTool software relied on the cardtool.ini to control how the scanner connects and operates. Troubleshooting and Editing Cardtool.ini