FP2000: "Socket Code 4" Error Connecting to Server Using SSL

ID: Q205245

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to connect to a Web server using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), you may receive the following error message:

Unable to connect to a server at "<ServerName>" on port 443 (socket code 4)
where <ServerName> is the name of the server you are connecting to and 443 is the port configured to receive secure connections.

The server log might also show the following error:
Secure handshake failed.


CAUSE

The third-party products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

FrontPage currently recognizes the following certificate authorities:

Secure Server Certification Authority (Verisign/RSA) AT&T Directory Services AT&T Certificate Services
However, if Internet Explorer 5 is installed on the client computer, FrontPage will recognize all certificates that Internet Explorer 5 recognizes.


RESOLUTION

Method 1: Configure the Web Server Software with an SSL Certificate

To allow FrontPage to connect to the server via SSL, configure the Web server software with an SSL certificate from one of the certificate authorities listed in the "Cause" section of this article.

Method 2: Upgrade to Internet Explorer version 5.0.

Upgrade to Internet Explorer version 5.0.

NOTE: FrontPage supports 40-bit encryption without the use of Internet Explorer version 5.0. If Internet Explorer version 5.0 is installed with 40-bit encryption, then FrontPage will only use 40-bit encryption. If Internet Explorer version 5.0 is installed with 128-bit encryption, then FrontPage can use 128-bit encryption. FrontPage does not support 128-bit encryption.

FrontPage will accept certificates authorities supported by Internet Explorer version 5.0, if Internet Explorer 5 is installed.


MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about Security Certificates and Internet Explorer 5, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q195724 Description of Digital Certificates.

Additional query words: FP2K error code 4 ssl winsock socket fpsock front page 


Keywords          : kbdta fpexp 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: July 1, 1999