Problem
The following error message occurs:
"The pending certificate request for this response file was not found. This request may be cancelled. You cannot install selected response certificate using this Wizard"
Cause
This issue may occur if any of the following conditions is true:
- The format of the certificate file is incorrect or the wrong extension file is used for the installation
- The private key in Microsoft IIS mismatches the certificate you are installing.
- The private key for this certificate has been corrupted, lost, or this is not the server on which the CSR was generated.
- You used the previous CSR upon Renewal.
- You are using the wrong certificate for the installation.
Resolution
Because there are many causes for this error, please review the methods below and determine which is applicable:
Method 1: Make sure you have a correctly formatted Certificate File
- Copy and paste the certificate into a text file (save as .txt) using Vi or Notepad. Do not use Microsoft Word or other word processing programs that may add characters you cannot see.
- Confirm that there are no extra lines or spaces in the file by selecting all. You should have a text file that looks like:
-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----
[encoded data]
-----END CERTIFICATE-----
- Ensure that you have 5 hyphens to either side of the BEGIN CERTIFICATE and END CERTIFICATE without space, extra line breaks or additional characters inadvertently added.
Method 2: Make sure the matching between SSL Certificate and the Private Key on Microsoft IIS
Ensure that you do not delete the pending request or generate another CSR in Microsoft IIS after you have submitted the CSR to SSL247.
When a CSR is generated, this creates a private key that matches to the CSR file. If you erase the pending request and/or generate a new CSR, the existing private key is replaced with the new one. So, when you try to install the SSL certificate, it will not correspond to the private key.
Method 3: Use of the previous CSR file upon Certificate Renewal
Microsoft IIS 5.0/6.0 will not allow the installation of a SSL certificate without a matching pending request. If you have renewed your SSL certificate and chosen the option to use the previous CSR, you will be unable to install your certificate using the IIS Certificate Installation Wizard.
So, you will need to create a renewal request from IIS and then replace your certificate.
Click /WIKICSRMICROSOFTIIS5|here to create a renewal request for IIS 5.0/6.0 or replace your certificate.
Method 4: Replacing the Certificate Due to File Corruption or Deletion
To reissue your certificate, go to your MySSL account.
Note to Trial Certificate customers: Make sure you remove the pending request and generate a new certificate signing request (CSR) file with a different Organizational Unit (OU) field. If not, a 1005 - Duplicate ID error will result during the FREESSL.