Converting CER files into PFX files enables you to securely back up your certificates and store them off-server. Since the PFX format stores both the certificate and the private key, it can be used to effectively manage your security certificates without clogging your folders with extraneous files. There are several methods for converting CER to PFX, some of which require no coding or programming experience.
OpenSSL
Step
Download and install OpenSSL (see Resources).
Step
Press "Windows-X" to launch the power user menu, then select "Command Prompt (Admin).
Step
Navigate to the folder containing your CER files and their private key file using the Change Directory or "cd" command.
Step
Enter the following command, replacing "certificate.pfx," "privateKey.key," "certificate.cer" and "CACert.cer" with the desired output file name and the correct input file names respectively:
openssl pkcs12 -export -out certificate.pfx -inkey privateKey.key -in certificate.cer -certfile CACert.crt
Pvk2Pfx
Step
Download and install Pvk2Pfx (see Resources).
Step
Press "Windows-X" to launch the power user menu, then select "Command Prompt (Admin).
Step
Navigate to the folder containing your CER files and their private key file using the Change Directory or "cd" command.
Step
Enter the following command to convert the file, replacing all the same placeholder filenames listed in Step 4 of the OpenSSL section, as well as "pvkpassword" and "pfxpassword" with the desired or necessary information:
pvk2pfx /pvk pvkfilename.pvk [/pi pvkpassword] /spc spcfilename.cer [/pfx pfxfilename.pfx [/po pfxpassword] [/f]]
SSL Converter
Step
Launch a Web browser and navigate to the SSL Shopper SSL Converter (see Resources).
Step
Select "Standard PEM" from the "Type of Current Certificate" drop-down menu.
Step
Select "PFX/PKCS#12" from the "Type to Convert To" drop-down menu.
Step
Click the Browse button and select the appropriate file for the "Certificate File to Convert" and "Private Key File" headings, and the "Chain Certificate File" and "Chain Certificate File 2" headings if appropriate.
Step
Enter the password that will be used to lock the PFX file in the "PFX Password" field.
Step
Click "Convert Certificate."
CER to PFX Converter
Step
Install and launch CER to PFX Converter (see Resources).
Step
Click "Browse" and select the CER file you wish to convert.
Step
Click "Convert."