How to Remove a Root Certificate from the Trusted Root Store

This article describes how to remove a trusted root certificate from the Trust Root Store, and how to re-install it again.

WARNING: Removal of the Trusted Root Certification Authority makes all certificates that are issued by this Certificate Authority (CA) untrusted.

To export and remove the certificate, use the appropriate method.

Internet Explorer 5, 5.01, and 5.5

1. On the Tools menu of Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
2. On the Content tab, click Certificates.
3. On the Trusted Root Certification Authorities tab, click the appropriate certificate, click Export, and follow the instructions on your screen.
4. On the Trusted Root Certification Authorities tab, click the appropriate certificate, click Remove, and then click Yes.
5. Click Close, click OK, and then restart Internet Explorer.

To import the certificate:

1. On the Tools menu of Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
2. On the Content tab, click Certificates.
3. On the Trusted Root Certification Authorities tab, click the appropriate certificate, click Import, and follow the instructions on your screen.
4. Click Close, click Ok, and then restart Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer 4.x

1. On the View menu of Internet Explorer, click Options.
2. On the Content tab, click Authorities.
3. Click the appropriate certificate, click Delete, and then click Yes.
4. Click Close, click Ok, and then restart Internet Explorer.