Step-by-Step instructions on transferring SSL certificate between servers
There are numerous reasons to move SSL Certificates between servers. Maybe you’re switching host providers, have a Wildcard or Multi-Domain certificate or maybe you’re in a load-balancing environment. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide. This guide deals with exporting an SSL Certificate from a Windows Server and moving it to an Apache Server.
Working off the assumption that the SSL Certificate has already been installed on your Windows Server, this guide breaks down into four sections:
Exporting the SSL Certificate
- Converting the .PFX file
- Importing the SSL Certificate
- Configuring the Server
Exporting the SSL Certificate
- Click Start, select Run and type MMC into the field. Select OK.
- Click File, select Add/Remove Snap-In.
- Select Certificates.
- Click on the Computer account, hit Next.
- Leave Local Computer selected and click Finish.
- Click the plus (+) sign next to Certificates.
- Select the plus (+) sign next to the Personal folder, click Certificates, right-click on your SSL Certificate. Select All Tasks, then click Export.
- The Certificate Export Wizard should appear, click Next.
- Select the option to include all certificates, click Next. Make sure to export the Private key.
- Select a password. This will be needed during the import process.
- Find a place to save the .PFX file.
- Click Finish.
Convert the .PFX file using Our Tool
Locate your SSL Certificate, private key and any intermediates, then head to our SSL Converter tool and convert your SSL Certificate and choose .PEM. Instructions are already on the tool page. When you’ve completed this step, head back here for more directions.
Importing/Configuring the Apache Server
Importing the SSL Certificate
Importing the SSL Certificate on an Apache Server is simple, just copy/paste it to the server and configure the Apache configuration file so that the certificate works on the correct websites.
This portion is really quite easy—especially as far as Apache is concerned.
Done. Congratulations!
