How to Convert a CER to PFX

By Dan Taylor, eHow Contributor

Converting .CER files into .PFX files is a good way to back up server certificates. A .CER file is a security file that a certificate authority - such as VeriSign or Thawte - creates to verify the authenticity of a website. A PFX file, on the other hand, is an encrypted security file that stores secure certificates for authenticating people or devices. The conversion process is relatively straightforward.

Difficulty:

 

Moderate

1. • 
     
   • 1

     Click "Start" followed by "Run." Type "MMC.exe," and then click "OK." Click "Console" and then "Add/Remove Snap-in."

   • 2

     Click "Add." Highlight the certificates you want to convert, and then click "Add" again.

   • 3

     Choose "Computer account," and then click "Next." Select "Local Computer" followed by "OK." Click "Close" and then "OK."

   • 4

     Open the "Certificates (Local Computer)" snap-in that you created. Go to "Personal" followed by "Certificates."

   • 5

     Right-click on the server certificate you want to convert, and then select "All Tasks" followed by "Export."

   • 6

     Click "Next" on the wizard that opens. If the wizard doesn't open, repeat Step 5. If it still doesn't open, restart your computer and go back to Step 4.

   • 7

     Choose "Private key" as your export, and then click "Next."

   • 8

     Choose the "Personal Information Exchange" (PFX) file format to create a PFX file.

   • 9

     Click "Next" and choose a password for the file. Click "Next" again.

   • 10

     Choose the file name. Don't include an extension, as the wizard automatically adds the PFX extension.

   • 11

     Click "Next," write down where the file is saved to and then click "Finish."