Configuring SSL Certificate for use in MS IIS

When SSL Certificate has been installed, you will need to enable the server as well as any firewall or routers that are in place for secure communications. To do so, enable the SSL port, which is by default port 443, and assign a unique IP Address for your Certificate on your website. SSL Certificate is only issued and tied to the Fully Qualified Domain Name (common name), for which the Certificate was requested.

Even though it is not tied to the IP address assigned to the website, a unique IP address is required for each SSL enabled website, as SSL works with IP based virtual hosts. The IP address assigned to the website can be changed and it will not affect the Certificate at all, provided it remains unique, virtual hosts.

To enable SSL on MS IIS 4.0, follow the instructions listed below:

1. From the “Internet Server” program group, open “Key Manager”.
2. In the “Key Manager” window, select the Key on which your certificate is installed.
3. Right-click on the Key and select “Properties”.
4. At the “Server Bindings” window, click on “Add”.
5. The “IP Address” field must contain the IP address (typed out) of the web site in question. If you only have one website, then the default “All UN-assigned” for your IP address will suffice.
6. Under “Port Number”, click on the radio button next to “Port Number” and add 443. Click on “OK” when done.
7. From the “Computers” menu, select “Commit Changes Now” and when prompted to “Commit all changes now?” select “Yes”.

To enable SSL on MS IIS 5.0, MS IIS 5.1 and MS IIS 6.0, follow the instructions listed below:

1. In the “Web Site” tab, the IP address field must contain the IP address (typed out) of the web site in question. If you only have one website, then the default “All UN-assigned” for your IP address will suffice.
2. Click on the “Advanced” button next to the IP address field – make sure the SSL port number is listed under “Multiple SSL identities for this Web site” section.

You will now be able to access your machine securely via http://www.yourdomain.com and view your certificate details.

A golden padlock will appear in the lower tool-bar of your browser when the SSL session has been established.