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4.8. Enabling SSL in Apache on Windows

Updated: Oct 3 2022, 03:03 PM

SSL for HelpSpot can be enabled on windows based installations, but it does require some configuration. This document will not cover in detail how to create a CSR or obtain certs in the proper format for Apache as this varies based on the certificate provider. This document will assume that an Apache-compatible cert, certificate chain and key have been obtained. It is intended as a general guide and the exact set up for a specific installation may vary.

Editing the Apache configuration files

1. Backup your C:\Program Files (x86)\helpspot\apache\conf\ directory.

2. Place your certificate, certificate chain and key in the C:\Program Files (x86)\helpspot\apache\conf\directory.

3. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\helpspot\apache\conf\ and edit the httpd.conf file as follows. Uncomment (remove the #) these lines: 
LoadModule socache_shmcb_module modules/mod_socache_shmcb.so 

LoadModule ssl_module modules/mod_ssl.so 

Include conf/extra/httpd-ssl.conf

4. Edit the C:\Program Files (x86)\helpspot\apache\conf\extra\httpd-ssl.conf In the most basic setup you will need to verify / edit these paths:
SSLCertificateFile "${SRVROOT}/conf/cert.pem"

SSLCertificateKeyFile "${SRVROOT}/conf/cert.key" 
   
   Most certificate will also need a chain file. 

SSLCertificateChainFile "${SRVROOT}/conf/server-ca.crt"

5. Now restart your HelpSpot Apache service in the windows services area. If service does not start up, we recommend running C:\Program Files (x86)\helpspot\apache\bin\httpd.exe from the command line to obtain useful error output.

6. Once you have a working configuration make sure to take a new backup of the  C:\Program Files (x86)\helpspot\apache\conf\  directory. This backup can be used to restore changes after a HelpSpot upgrade.