“The parameter is incorrect.” error using netsh http add sslcert

Question

Following the instructions on \"How to: Configure a Port with an SSL Certificate\" in this link: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms733791.aspx, I entered this comman

Answer 1

I must have ended up mangling the relationship between VS and IIS Express by deleting the localhost certificate. I was really stuck. The app wouldn't start and nothing I could do seemed to correct this disconnect (which is want brought me to this thread to begin with).

I was finally able to get over the issue by changing the assigned port on the non-SSL URL (launchSettings.json in .NET Core apps) and disabling the Enable SSL checkbox in the project settings and taking a fresh start. I was then able to add my newly created cert with this command: netsh http add sslcert ipport=0.0.0.0:44392 appid={214124cd-d05b-4309-9af9-9caa44b2b74b} certhash=A0ADC1A1002F288CCFA96261F9F352D28C675A90.

Also, note that the appid variable is not a reflection of your VS project AppID (or at least it doesn't have to be). It's just an arbitrary GUID, according to Scott Hanselmann:

The AppId doesn't really matter, its just a GUID. This tells HTTP.SYS that we're using that certificate.

This was not obvious to me and made dealing with the parameter is incorrect error that much more obscure.

If you're experiencing similar issues, good luck. I believe in you. Ping me if you're feeling lost and alone. Maybe I can remember something by then! :D