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Knowledge Base / Server / Errors when binding a certificate to the HTTPS port: "The parameter is incorrect" and "A specif...
Errors when binding a certificate to the HTTPS port: "The parameter is incorrect" and "A specified logon session does not exist. It may have already been terminated"
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Created/Edited - 4/19/2026 by Sonali Modi | Alteryx

How To

Issue

 

When binding a certificate to an SSL port as detailed in this article, you may run into one of these 2 common errors:
 

Error 1

The parameter is incorrect.

image.png

 

Error 2

SSL Certificate Add Failed, Error: 1312
A specified logon session does not exist. It may have already been terminated.

image.png

 

 

If you are getting the message that "The parameter is incorrect," the certhash likely contains hidden characters that were inadvertently copied from the certificate's thumbprint. In the above screenshot, note the '?' at the beginning of the certhash which is causing the issue.

 

If you are getting Error Code 1312, the certificate you are attempting to bind likely does not contain the private key or has limited Administrator permissions for the MachineKeys folder, or the certificate is corrupt.

 

Diagnosis
 

Error 1

The parameter is incorrect

The certhash likely contains hidden characters that were inadvertently copied from the certificate's thumbprint. In the above screenshot, note the '?' at the beginning of the certhash which is causing the issue.

 

Error 2

Error Code 1312

A specified logon session does not exist. It may have already been terminated:

 

Cause 1

The logged-in user lacks proper permissions to the MachineKeys folder utilized to bind the certificate.



Cause 2

The certificate does not contain a private key. You can determine if the certificate you imported contains the private key by looking at its icon in MMC.
 

image.png 
Icon only shows a certificate. The private key needs to be added.


 

image.png 
Icon includes a key. While your icon may be slightly different, the presence of a key means the private key is attached.

 


Cause 3

The logged-in user lacks proper permissions to the private key on the machine.

Environment

Alteryx Server

Procedure


Error 1

The parameter is incorrect
  1. Copy the command into notepad
  2. Save As ANSI
  3. Re-open the file
  4. Remove hidden characters
  5. Re-try the command

 

Error 2

Error Code 1312

A specified logon session does not exist. It may have already been terminated:


Solution 1

**This solution assumes the logged in user is a member of the Administrators group on the machine
 

  1. Go to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA.
  2. Right-click the MachineKeys folder and select Properties.
  3. Click the Security tab.
  4. Select the Edit button.
  5. Highlight Administrators and click the checkbox next to Full Control to allow full permissions.
  6. Retry the command in Command Prompt while running as Administrator.
  7. If this does not resolve the error, proceed to Solution 2.


Solution 2

  1. Create a .pfx file with your certificate and key file using the following command (replace pfx, key, and crt filenames as appropriate): 
    openssl.exe pkcs12 -export -out ServerName.pfx -inkey ServerName.key -in ServerName.crt
  2. Remove the previously imported certificate from MMC
  3. Follow the instructions in this article beginning with the "Installing the Certificate" section
  4. If this does not resolve the error, proceed to Solution 3.


    Solution 3

    1. Open the "Certificate Manager" on your Windows server. You can do this by pressing the "Windows Key + R" to open the "Run" dialog box, typing "certmgr.msc", and press "Enter".
    2. In the Certificate Manager, locate the certificate that you are trying to use with the Netsh command. The certificate should be located in the "Personal" store under "Certificates".
    3. Right-click on the certificate, select "All Tasks", and then select "Manage Private Keys". This will open the "Permissions" dialog box.

     

    image.png
    image.png
     
    1. Click the "Add" button, type in the user account you are using to run the netsh command, and then click "OK".
    2. In the "Permissions" dialog box, grant the user account "Read" and "Full Control" permissions, and then click "OK".
    3. Try running the netsh command [Run as Administrator] again and see if the error is resolved.


    Solution 4

    Re-create/re-upload the certificate to MMC


     
    Additional Information

     

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