How to Create a Self-Signed Certificate for Access Files

Self-signed digital certificates are important to use when working with data to prove you created a file or document, and the certificate allows third-parties to trust the files they receive. You can create and add a self-signed certificate to your Access files in order to help authenticate your work. Creating and using the self-signed certificate is also helpful when you are working for a company where untrusted documents cannot be accepted.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button from your desktop and then move your mouse over the "All Programs" option.

2. Move your mouse over the "Microsoft Office" option and then select the "Microsoft Office Tools" option.

3. Click the "Digital Certificate for VBA Projects" option. The Create Digital Certificate dialog box will then appear.

4. Enter a name for your new certificate into the "Your certificate's name" field and then click the "OK" button twice.

5. Open the Microsoft Office Access 2010 application and then click the "Microsoft Office" button. Click the "Open" option twice and the Open dialog box will appear.

6. Click the "Microsoft Office Access Signed Packages" option and then click on the signed certificate you created on your computer. Click the "Open" button.

7. Click the "Trust all from Publisher" option and then click the "OK" button. The certificate will then be used with your Access files.

References

• Microsoft Office: Show Trust by Adding a Digital Signature
• Microsoft Office: Create Your Own Digital Certificate