The "Serial number" attribute of a self-signed certificate has a negative value when you call the CertCreateSelfSignCertificate function to create the certificate in Windows Server 2003

When you call the CertCreateSelfSignCertificate function to create a self-signed certificate in Windows Server 2003, the "Serial number" attribute of the certificate has a negative value. This does not comply with the Request for Comments (RFC) 3280 specifications. When this problem occurs, some applications may experience problems if these applications do not expect a negative serial number.

This problem occurs because the implementation of the CertCreateSelfSignCertificate function follows the RFC 2459 specifications instead of the RFC 3280 specifications.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed on the computer. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

Another hotfix resolves the same problem in Windows XP. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

The "Serial number" attribute according to the RFC 3280 specifications

The RFC 3280 specifications require that the "Serial number" attribute be a positive integer that is assigned by the certification authority (CA). The "Serial number" attribute must be unique for each certificate that is assigned by a particular CA.

The "Serial number" attribute according to the RFC 2459 specifications

The RFC 2459 specifications require that the "Serial number" attribute be an integer that is assigned by the CA. The "Serial number" attribute must be unique for each certificate that is assigned by a particular CA.

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: