Learn how to fix the IIS Error: “A Specified Logon Session Does Not Exist”. Our IIS Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.
How to Fix the IIS Error: “A Specified Logon Session Does Not Exist”
According to our Experts, the following error message usually appears when the server fails to access the SSL server credential private key.
A specified logon session does not exist. It may already have been terminated
The IIS error typically occurs when the server fails to access the SSL server credential private key. This often happens after renewing an SSL certificate, indicating that a required logon session is missing or improperly established.
An Overview:
Impacts of the “A Specified Logon Session Does Not Exist” Error
- The website becomes inaccessible over HTTPS until the SSL binding is restored to the original certificate.
- Exporting the private key to a PFX file is disabled, preventing migration to another server.
- Services relying on the certificate may fail, causing operational disruptions.
Causes and Fixes
1. Incorrect User Account
The error occurs when the user account completing the certificate request differs from the one that created the Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
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- First, log into the server using the same account that generated the CSR.
- Then, complete the certificate request and bind the certificate.
- Next, check if the “Export private key” option is enabled.
- If the original account is unavailable, generate a new CSR and rekey the certificate.
2. Corrupted Certificate
A corrupted certificate file may prevent proper binding in IIS.
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To re-import the certificate:
- First, open Microsoft Management Console (MMC) (`Run > mmc`).
- Then, click File > Add/Remove Snap-In > Certificates > Computer Account > Local Computer.
- Then, delete the existing certificate.
- Next, right-click All Tasks > Import and follow the Certificate Import Wizard.
- Mark the certificate as re-exportable and set a password if required.
- Restart IIS and reopen IIS Manager.
3. Authentication Problems
Misconfigured authentication settings in IIS may lead to the error.
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- To begin with, open IIS Manager and select the affected site.
- Then go to Authentication and ensure the correct methods are enabled (e.g., Windows Authentication).
- Next, head to Providers and verify that “Negotiate” is correctly configured. If domain connectivity issues exist, disable it to force NTLM.
- Ensure the application pool identity and user account have the necessary permissions.
4. CredSSP Double Hop Issues
Credential Security Support Provider (CredSSP) issues can cause authentication failures, especially in Azure environments.
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- First, ensure correct credential formatting (e.g., `DOMAIN\username` instead of `username@domain`).
- Update CredSSP settings on both client and server.
- Finally, configure the AllowFreshCredentials setting in WSMan using PowerShell.
5. Task Scheduler Security Policy
Scheduled tasks may trigger this error if the security policy enforces “Run whether user is logged on or not.”
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- Open Task Scheduler and locate the problematic task.
- In the General tab, adjust the “Security options”:
- Consider switching to “Run only when user is logged on.”
- Ensure the selected account has the required permissions.
6. Azure AD Join Issues
The error may appear after transitioning a system from a workgroup or local domain to Azure AD and referencing outdated settings.
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- Verify that the system is properly joined to Azure AD (Settings > Accounts > Access work or school).
- Remove old domain references from Group Policies or configurations.
- If the system was previously connected to a local NAS, update network paths and authentication settings.</li
Prevention Tips
- Always use the same user account for CSR generation and certificate requests.
- Keep backups of certificates in .pfx format for easier re-importing.
- Use monitoring tools to track expiration dates and renew certificates in advance.
- Use `certutil -v -store my` to check the certificate’s private key and confirm its location in `C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys`.
- Regularly audit authentication settings in IIS Manager to prevent access issues.
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Conclusion
By following the above troubleshooting steps and preventive measures, we can ensure a smooth SSL certificate renewal process while minimizing disruptions to IIS services.
In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to fix the IIS Error: “A Specified Logon Session Does Not Exist”.
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