An update is available to programmatically set the protection level of a private key when you call the CryptGenKey function in Windows XP (894088)

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Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows XP service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

You must be running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) to install this hotfix. For more information about how to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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 tool in Control Panel.

   Date         Time   Version        Size     File name 
   ------------------------------------------------------
   03-Apr-2005  22:35  5.1.2600.2645  137,216  Dssenh.dll
   03-Apr-2005  22:35  5.1.2600.2645  152,576  Rsaenh.dll

Hotfix installation information

After you install this hotfix, the CryptGenKey function is modified to accept the following new flag in the CryptGenKey function dwFlags parameter: This flag indicates whether strong key protection must be used. The corresponding CPGenKey function in the Cryptographic Service Provider is also modified to process this new flag. In this situation, the scan for this new flag overrides the registry setting for strong key encryption.

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For more information about the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: