Overview
Installing an SSL certificate is a critical step in securing your website, but it can sometimes encounter issues. This guide addresses common SSL installation problems faced by HSJ Host users, providing practical solutions to ensure a smooth and secure installation process.
Prerequisites
• An SSL certificate purchased through HSJ Host.
• Access to your HSJ Host account and server where the SSL certificate is being installed.
Procedure
1. SSL Certificate Not Recognised After Installation
• Issue: After installing your SSL certificate, your website still shows as not secure or the certificate is not detected.
• Solution: Verify the installation by using an online SSL checker tool. Ensure that you have installed both the certificate and the CA (Certificate Authority) bundle in the correct sections. Restart your web server to apply changes.
2. Mixed Content Warnings
• Issue: Your website is secure, but some resources (images, scripts, or stylesheets) are loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS, causing mixed content warnings.
• Solution: Update your website's code or CMS settings to load all resources over HTTPS. Plugins or modules are available for most platforms to automatically redirect HTTP content to HTTPS.
3. SSL Certificate Mismatch Error
• Issue: Visitors receive a certificate mismatch error, indicating that the SSL certificate does not match the domain name.
• Solution: Ensure that the SSL certificate was issued for the correct domain name. Remember, www.example.com and example.com are treated as separate entities by SSL certificates unless you have a wildcard or multi-domain certificate.
4. Failed Domain Verification During SSL Renewal or Reinstallation
• Issue: Unable to verify domain ownership during the SSL certificate renewal or reinstallation process.
• Solution: Check that the email address or DNS records used for verification are current and accessible. Update your domain's DNS records if necessary, and ensure that any email filters or spam settings do not block verification emails.
5. SSL Certificate Expiry Issues
• Issue: Your SSL certificate has expired, causing security warnings.
• Solution: Renew your SSL certificate well before the expiry date. Set reminders in your HSJ Host account for upcoming renewals to avoid lapses in coverage.
6. Error Messages After SSL Certificate Update
• Issue: Receiving error messages or site access issues after updating your SSL certificate.
• Solution: Double-check that the new certificate details match your server and domain settings. Ensure that the private key corresponds to the newly installed certificate. Restart your server to ensure all services are using the updated certificate.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting SSL installation issues is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website. By addressing these common problems, HSJ Host users can ensure their SSL certificates are correctly installed and fully functional. For further assistance, the HSJ Host support team is always available to help resolve any SSL-related issues.
