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Export a .p12 SSL Certificate from Windows

When the FileWave Server certificate and private key were created on Windows, export them as a password-protected PKCS #12 bundle for upload in FileWave Central > Preferences > Mobile. The bundle should contain the private key, server certificate, and available intermediate and root certificates. Windows saves the bundle with a .pfx extension; rename it to .p12 without changing its contents before upload.

Protect the exported bundle.
A .p12 file contains the server's private key. Use a strong temporary export password, transfer the file through an approved secure method, and remove unnecessary desktop or transfer copies after FileWave accepts the certificate.

Export the certificate and private key

  • Open a Run dialog and enter "mmc".
  • Go to File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
  • Add the Certificates snap-in and click the Add > button in the middle.
  • Choose Computer account.
  • Pick Local computer and click Finish.
  • Click the OK button.
  • In the MMC console browse to Certificates (Local Computer) > Personal > Certificates on the left. If your certificate is not there, browse the rest of the Certificates (Local Computer) tree until you find it.

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  • Select your certificate in the middle pane, right-click, and pick All Tasks > Export.
  • When prompted, choose Yes, export the private key. If that option is unavailable, the selected certificate does not have an exportable private key on this computer; return to the system where the CSR and private key were created.

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  • Under Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12 (.PFX), check Include all certificates in the certification path if possible. Leave the other two checkboxes unchecked.

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  • Choose Next and set a strong export password. FileWave Central prompts for this password during upload.
  • Save the .pfx file to a temporary secured location.
  • Rename the extension from .pfx to .p12.
  • Upload the .p12 file in FileWave Central > Preferences > Mobile, enter the export password, and verify that the expected certificate is shown before deleting temporary copies.


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