Home → Admin Manual → System Administration → Enabling SSL in Apache on Windows

4.8. Enabling SSL in Apache on Windows

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.