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How to fix ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT. Free immediate support






How to Fix the ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT Error

Learn how to resolve the ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT error, which occurs when an SSL certificate cannot be trusted or verified. This often happens due to self-signed certificates or improper SSL configuration. Key fixes include replacing the certificate with one from a trusted Certificate Authority, adding the site to your trusted sites list, clearing browser cache, or resetting TCP/IP settings. For a long-term solution, ensure proper SSL certificate installation and server configuration.

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Key Takeaways

  • What Causes the ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT Error?
    The error occurs when a browser cannot trust or verify an SSL certificate, often due to an improper SSL configuration or self-signed certificates.

  • Main Fixes for the Error:

    • Ensure the website uses a certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
    • Add the website to your browser’s trusted sites.
    • Clear your browser’s cache and reset TCP/IP if needed.

  • Final Solution:

The most reliable method is obtaining an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (e.g., Sectigo, DigiCert, or Comodo). If you’re managing website security, consider using NordPass to securely store and manage your SSL credentials across devices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT Error

The ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT error generally occurs when there’s an issue with how a website’s SSL certificate is formatted or configured. This step-by-step guide will walk you through identifying the cause and fixing this issue effectively.

1. Understand the Error

The ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT error happens usually when the SSL certificate is either self-signed or improperly configured. It means the browser cannot validate the certificate or doesn’t trust it. To resolve the issue, the certificate must be reconfigured or replaced with a valid, properly formatted one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

Common Causes:

  • Self-signed certificates: Not trusted by default browsers.
  • Misconfiguration in server: The SSL certificate may not have been correctly installed or formatted.

2. Identify the Certificate Type

The first task is to identify whether the certificate causing the error is self-signed or issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

Steps to Check Certificate:

  1. Open the website causing the error.
  2. Inspect the certificate (Usually available by clicking on the lock icon in the browser’s address bar).
  3. Check if the certificate is issued by a known CA such as DigiCert, Comodo, or Sectigo.

If it is self-signed, you will need to replace it.

3. Install SSL from a Reputable Certificate Authority (CA)

If the certificate is self-signed or improperly configured, obtaining and installing an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority is the best fix.

Steps to Install a Trusted SSL Certificate:

  1. Purchase an SSL Certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority:

  2. Install the Certificate via your hosting control panel or contact your server administrator.

  3. Verify the update by clearing your browser cache (see step #5 below) and testing the site.

For more information, view this guide on installing SSL certificates. Additionally, use tools like EaseUS Backup Center to safeguard your critical data during SSL installation and server updates.

4. Add the Website to Trusted Sites (Temporary Fix)

If you’re unable to get a CA-issued SSL certificate right away, you can temporarily add the website to your trusted sites list in your browser.

Steps:

  1. Open Internet Options (Windows):

    • Press Windows + S to open search and enter “Internet Options”.
    • Navigate to the Security tab.
    • Click on Trusted Sites.

  2. Add the Website:

    • Enter the URL of the problematic website.
    • Click Add and then Close.

This will bypass the error for trusted sites but should only be done temporarily and for sites you trust. It doesn’t fix the core issue if you’re managing the website.

5. Clear Browser Cache and SSL State

A common cause for persistent SSL errors is an outdated browser cache. To resolve this, you need to clear your cache and SSL state.

Steps to Clear Cache:

  • For Chrome:

    1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data.
    2. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and site data.
    3. Click Clear Data.

  • For Firefox:

    1. Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
    2. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data.
    3. Click Clear Data.

Restart the browser after clearing the cache to check if the issue is resolved.

6. Reset TCP/IP Stack (Optional for Persistent Errors)

If clearing the browser cache does not resolve the issue, resetting your TCP/IP stack and DNS cache might help, particularly if you encounter SSL errors across multiple sites.

Steps to Reset:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator:

    • Type cmd into Windows search.
    • Right-click and select Run as Administrator.

  2. Run the following commands:

    • netsh int ip reset reset.log
    • ipconfig /flushdns

  3. Restart your computer, then check if the site is accessible.

7. Update Your Browser and System

Working with outdated browsers or operating systems can sometimes cause SSL validation issues due to missing security updates.

How to Update:

  • For Chrome:

    1. Open Chrome and click the three dots (top-right).
    2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
    3. The browser will automatically check for updates.

  • For Windows:

    1. Type Windows Update in the search bar.
    2. Click Check for updates.

Ensuring both your browser and OS are up to date may resolve the SSL error.

8. Contact Website or Server Administrator

If none of the above steps work, the issue may lie with the server-side SSL configuration. You should reach out to the website’s admin or hosting provider and recommend that they:

  • Reinstall the SSL certificate.
  • Check for errors in SSL configuration.
  • Ensure the server supports HTTPS properly.

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to resolve the ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT error. Ultimately, the most permanent solution is to ensure that the website uses an SSL certificate from a reputable and trusted CA like DigiCert, Comodo, or Sectigo. Keep your browser and system up to date, clear browsing data if necessary, and reset TCP/IP settings when encountering persistent errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the ERR_SSL_SERVER_CERT_BAD_FORMAT error mean?
A: It typically means that the website’s SSL certificate is either incorrectly formatted or that the browser cannot recognize the certificate.

Q: Is it safe to bypass the error by adding a site to Trusted Sites?
A: Temporarily adding a trusted site can be safe if the site is known to you; however, this doesn’t fix the underlying issue and should not be a long-term solution.

Q: How can I avoid this error when managing my own website?
A: Always use an SSL certificate issued by a recognized Certificate Authority, and ensure correct installation with proper HTTPS and SSL settings.

Q: Will updating my browser help fix this error?
A: Yes, sometimes browsers don’t support outdated SSL standards, and updating your browser might fix the issue.

Q: Can clearing the cache fix this issue?
A: Clearing the cache may help if the SSL error is cache-related. However, a correctly configured SSL certificate is still necessary.

For a reliable and secure browsing experience, ensure you use NordVPN for encrypted, private browsing. For managing SSL and other security credentials, consider NordPass. These tools enhance your overall security posture when dealing with sensitive website configurations.

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