How to Avoid an Encryption Error by Skipping the Untrusted Public Key

Server administrators can manage public key settings in Group Policy.

In the Windows Server operating system, you can configure a public key policy to control the flow of data through your domain or websites. However, some systems may receive an encryption error if your public key has not been verified and is labeled as untrusted. To get around the problem, you should temporarily set your computer's group policy to skip over the untrusted public key.

Things You'll Need

• PC server running Windows Server 2003 or later

Instructions

1. Log on to your PC computer with an administrative account.

2. Open the Start menu and click on the "Run" symbol.

3. Type "gpedit.msc" into the dialog box and hit "Enter" to launch the Group Policy Object Editor.

4. Expand the "Computer Configuration" and "Windows Settings" directories.

5. Open the "Security Settings" folder and then highlight "Public Key Policies."

6. Double-click on the item labeled "Certificate Path Validation Settings."

7. Check the box next to "Define these policy settings."

8. Choose the radio button next to "Only Enterprise Root CAs."

9. Press "OK" or "Apply" to save the settings. The untrusted public key on your server will now be skipped until it has been verified.

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Configure Public Key Group Policy