DOCUMENT:Q300398 13-JUN-2001 [iis] TITLE :IIS: Cannot Create a 128-bit SSL Session with IIS PRODUCT :Internet Information Server PROD/VER::4.0,5.0 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Internet Information Services version 5.0 - Microsoft Internet Information Server 4.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== You install a 128-bit high encryption certificate onto Internet Information Server (IIS) version 4.0 or 5.0, then browse with a 128-bit enabled Web browser to IIS by using https://. However, the Web browser only makes a 40-bit or 56-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) session with IIS. If you open the Internet Services Manager and edit the Secure Communication property to Require 128-bit encryption, you may receive the following error message when you browse to IIS: HTTP Error 403 403.5 Forbidden: SSL 128 required This error message indicates that the resource you are trying to access is secured with a 128-bit version of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). In order to view this resource, you need a browser that supports this level of SSL. Please confirm that your browser supports 128-bit SSL security. If it does, then contact the Web server's administrator and report the problem. CAUSE ===== The server that is hosting IIS does not have the Windows High Encryption Pack installed. If the encryption level is not 128-bit, IIS cannot create a 128-bit SSL session. RESOLUTION ========== Update Microsoft Windows with the High Encryption pack. NOTE: The Windows High Encryption Pack is the same as the Microsoft Internet Explorer High Encryption Pack. Windows NT 4.0 The High Encryption Pack can be installed onto Windows NT 4.0 by updating to the High Encryption version of the latest Windows NT Service Pack. For additional information on how to obtain the latest service pack, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack Windows 2000 The Windows 2000 High Encryption Pack is available for download from the following Microsoft Web site: Windows 2000 High Encryption Pack http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/recommended/encryption/ MORE INFORMATION ================ To verify the encryption level that is installed, open Microsoft Internet Explorer on the IIS server computer and click About Internet Explorer on the Help menu. In the About Internet Explorer dialog box, the encryption level is listed next to Cipher Strength. Additional query words: iis 5 4 sgc Verisign key lock ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbiisSearch kbiis500 kbiis400 Version : :4.0,5.0 Issue type : kbprb Solution Type : kbpending ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2001.