How do I know when I need to replace my digital certificate? 

You need to do a certificate replacement if you have a valid certificate, but:

       The certificate is no longer on your computer

       It no longer works because the private key is corrupted or missing

       You have forgotten the password to the private key

To verify if you need a certificate replacement, follow these steps: (This is for Internet Explorer users)

1.       From the menu bar at the top of your screen, click on the 'Tools' menu; then select 'Internet Options'

2.       In the box that appears, select the 'Content' tab; then click the 'Certificates' button

3.       Locate the certificate you wish to export and click on it once

4.       Click the 'Export' button, and click 'Next' on the first screen

5.       Make sure that "Yes, export the private key" is chosen, then click 'Next'

6.       Leave the box of "Enable strong protection" checked.  Although not necessary.  You may want to also put a check in the "Include all certificates in the certification path if possible" box.  Click 'Next'

7.       Type in any password of your choosing (and re-type it in the appropriate box).  Keep in mind that it is case-sensitive.  Any capital letters you use will also need to be used later.  Click 'Next'

8.       Click the 'Browse' button.  Choose the location where you would like to store the file.  Then, give your file a name.  Click 'Save'. Then, click 'Next'.

9.       Click 'Finish'.  If it asks you to click OK, do so.  If it is asking for a password, this would be the same password you selected during the retrieval process.

Potential problems

Problem 1) No certificate may have been listed in step #2

o       This could indicate that you are using a different computer or web browser than where the certificate was retrieved originally.  In this case, you DO NOT need a certificate replacement.  Instead, try to find where the certificate had been retrieved and follow the same steps above to export your certificate, and then import it into this browser.  See I need to use my digital certificate on another computer.  What do I do?

o       This could also indicate that the certificate was deleted.  In this case, you DO need a certificate replacement

Problem 2) The "yes" option may have been grayed-out (unable to be clicked) in step #5

o       Your computer has deleted it's private key.  In this case, you DO need a certificate replacement.

Problem 3)  It may not accept your password in step #9

o       a) You should keep trying to put in the correct password

o       b)  If you cannot remember that password, then you DO need a certificate replacement.

You can request a no-cost certificate replacement by following the steps found in How do I do a certificate replacement?

Support Main  /  Troubleshooting

Our Customer Support Representatives can be contacted via email at helpdesk@IdenTrust.com.