ssl for dummies

[erinspice]

I have searched everywhere for a simple ssl tutorial, but they all assume that you know some key things which I don't know. What is the order of operations for creating a key, creating a csr, requesting a cert, receiving and installing the cert? Am I correct in assuming the following:

1) use cpanel to create a private key
2) use cpanel to create a CSR
3) send the CSR to the cert provider
4) cert provider generates cert and sends it back to me
5) i paste cert into cpanel

Did I leave out anything crucial or get anything in the wrong order?

[sawbuck]

Basically you've got it right with one requirement. Cert must be installed on a dedicated IP.

There is some information in the cPanel docs under SSL Manager which may be of limited help.
http://www.cpanel.net/docs/cpanel/

[PWSowner]

Yup, your account needs a dedicated IP for an SSL certificate. Also, cPanel is getting so popular that many certificate providers have instructions for cPanel users.

I'm sure if you have any problems, your host should be able to help. There's not much to it for someone who's done it before.

[brianoz]

You may also need to install a "CA Bundle" as part of the install, which is usually sent along with the certificate.

But apart from that it's actually pretty straight forward. The hardest thing is the dedicated IP, if you don't get that right then the SSL cert will just mysteriously fail. The need for a dedicated IP is a ridiculous flaw in the protocol if you ask me.

[erinspice]

Yeah I already had the IP set up. Something is wrong here. Everything is perfect, yet I'm still getting that "connection terminated, some data may have been received" message!

[paanii]

I also got a dedicated IP setup and all, have got the certificate re-issued but still same error. I will keep you posted if I get a solution let me know if you do too..