IIS: Error Writing Encrypted Data to the Web Services Configuration Database

Summary: When attempting to install or re-install IIS; you receive the following error:

"Error Writing Encrypted Data to the Web Services Configuration Database" The option gives you the ability to "write unencrypted data." However if you proceed; IIS installation stalls and does not proceed.

World Wide Publishing Service fails to start with

"The specified handle is invalid"

Resolution: Rename the MachinesKeys folder in the following directory to MachineKeysold.

%Windir%\Profiles\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys


Once this has been renamed; in the IIS installation where you were prompted to choose "write uncrypted data" close out this dialog box by clicking the X (windows close button on top right corner"

IIS will complete the instllation and you will see a new MachineKeys directory. If you already closed out of the prompt box above; just uninstall and re-install IIS.




James Chong (MVP)
MCITP | EMA; MCSE | M+, S+
Security+, Project+, ITIL
msexchangetips.blogspot.com