How to import a valid copy of your electronic certificate
Skip information indexWindows - Import a copy of the certificate in Internet Explorer
To import an electronic certificate into the browser, it is necessary to have a valid copy of it. The icon for a valid copy is an open envelope with a green certificate sticking out and a key, with the file extension .pfx or .p12. If you can't see the extension, right click on the certificate icon and go to "Properties".
In Internet Explorer, access "Tools" in the menu bar, or the wheel-shaped icon located in the upper right corner of the browser window, and enter "Internet Options."
In the "Content" tab, click the "Certificates" button.
In the "Personal" tab, click the "Import" button. The "Import Wizard" then opens. Press "Next."
Press "Browse" to go to the path where the copy of the certificate was saved.
Select the .pfx or .p12 file and press "Open." It is important to choose the type of file "Exchange of personal information" from the drop-down menu to be able to locate the copy. Click "Next" again.
If the copy was made with a password, you must indicate it and it is very important to also check the box "Mark this key as exportable..." so that, if you need to obtain a backup copy of the certificate, you can export the private key. Press "Next" again.
Check "Automatically select certificate store...". Press "Next" again and, finally, "Finish."
If the import has been successful, the message "The import was completed successfully" or "The import was completed successfully" will appear depending on the browser version and when the browser requests to identify itself, the certificate will appear in the selection window for authentication or signing. .
Another option to import the certificate into Internet Explorer is to double-click on the copy; This opens the "Import Wizard" directly. If the operating system is higher than Windows 8, in the first step, you need to check "Current user". In this way, the certificate will be installed in the "Personal" tab, which is the appropriate location of the certificate to be able to correctly sign a procedure at the AEAT Electronic Headquarters. The rest of the options that would have to be checked or left by default would be the same.
If the copy of the certificate is not valid (the icon is a green certificate and there is no key; the file extension is .cer) is because when exporting it, the "Export the private key" box was not checked, which is the personal information that the certificate contains and without which it is not possible to sign. If the copy is not valid, it will be installed in the "Other people" tab instead of in the "Personal" tab and it would not be valid to access the procedures on the AEAT website.
If the certificates do not allow you to work normally, it will not be possible to make a correct copy or request its renewal via the Internet. If you do not have a valid copy you will have to request a new certificate.