How to Install SSL Certificate on IIS 6.0

Install SSL Certificate on IIS 6.0

I’ve been busy for the past few weeks offline, because one of our 5 yr. old server crashed during the holidays due to a faulty SCSI Controller.  We  were force to buy a new IBM Server X M3200 and reinstall everything again. One of the challenging task was to install SSL Certificate on IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server in which my company’s web portal is running. I’ll be posting a series of my experience and tips on my future post regarding  issues encountered  during the re-installation. But I’ll be sharing the SSL Certificate installation for now.

WHAT IS AN SSL CERTIFICATE?

Before I go to the process let me define a SSL Certificate for you first. A Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate is a digital file that has two specific functions:





1. Authentication and Verification: The SSL Certificate has information about the authenticity of certain details regarding the identity of a person, business or Web site, which it will display to visitors on your Web site when they click on the lock or trust mark (Thawte Secured ® Seal).

Install Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server

2. Encryption: The SSL Certificate also enables encryption, which means that the information exchanged via the Web site cannot be intercepted or read by anyone other than the person for whom it is intended. In the same way that a physical identity document or passport may only be issued by the relevant country’s government officials, an SSL Certificate is most reliable when issued by a known Certificate Authority (CA). The CA has to follow very strict rules and policies about who may or may not receive a SSL Certificate. This means that when you have a valid SSL Certificate from a trusted CA, it implies a higher degree of trust.

In the same way that a physical identity document or passport may only be issued by the relevant country’s government officials, an SSL Certificate is most reliable when issued by a known Certificate Authority (CA). The CA has to follow very strict rules and policies about who may or may not receive a SSL Certificate. This means that when you have a valid SSL Certificate from a trusted CA, it implies a higher degree of trust.

Installing Thawte SSL 123 Certificate

In this procedure, I’ll demonstrate the installation of Thawte’s SSL 123 Certificate. Thawte’s is the CA or Certification Authority for the certificate that I’ll be demonstrating.

First of course you need to have an IIS 6.0 Web Server installed this will also applies on other version of IIS but with slight difference in the User Interface.

Step 1:Request for SSL Certificate

  1. Open the Internet Services Manager (IIS): Click Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > Internet Information Services (IIS) MangerInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 1
  2. Under Web Sites, right-click your web site you wish to install the SSL and select Properties
  3. Click the Directory Security tab
  4. Under Secure Communications, click Server Certificate
  5. The Web Site Certificate Wizard will open, click NextInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 2
  6. Choose Create a new certificate , then click Next
  7. Select Prepare the request now, and send it later, then click NextInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 3
  8. Enter and configure Name and Security Settings. then click NextImportant: Make sure to enter relevant and easy to remember name. On this example we entered 2048 bit length, a little higher than the standard. Note, the higher the bit length will decrease performance of your web server.Install Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 4
  9. Enter the Organization information, then click NextInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 5
  10. Enter the common name for the website, then click Next Important: If you included “www.” in the common name, your site will be accessible only as “https://www.gssaloninc.com” if you require SSL connection only in the Document Security Tab.Install Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 6
  11. Provide the Geographical Information, then click NextInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 7
  12. Enter the filename and where you wish to save it, then click NextInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 8
  13. Review the file summary screen to be sure that you are processing the correct information and then click NextInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 9
  14. At the confirmation screen, verify the information and click FinishInstall Thawte SSL Certificate IIS 6.0 Windows Web Server Procedure 10
  15. Send the textfile or CSR file that you have created to your CA and wait for the SSL Certificate from them.
  16. Then follow the installation process below.





Step 2: Install SSL certificate

  1. Open the Internet Services Manager (IIS): Click Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > Internet Information Services (IIS) Manger
  2. Under Web Sites, right-click your web site you wish to install the SSL and select Properties
  3. Click the Directory Security tab
  4. Under Secure Communications, click Server Certificate
  5. The Web Site Certificate Wizard will open, click Next
  6. Choose Process the Pending Request and Install the Certificate, then click NextImportant: The pending request must match the response file. If you deleted the pending request in error you must generate a new CSR and replace this certificate.
  7. Select the location of the certificate response file, and then click Next
  8. Select the SSL Port. The default port is 443
  9. Read the summary screen to be sure that you are processing the correct certificate and then click Next
  10. At the confirmation screen, verify the information and click Finish

I tried to make this as simple as possible if you have encounter problem regarding this post, please feel free comment or ask question. Good Luck!!!!

2 thoughts on “How to Install SSL Certificate on IIS 6.0”

  1. Thank you so much for the pledge. It’s my first time here and i’ll follow you via rss. I will keep you updated once my contest post is up. Thanks again!

    Reply

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