Solving "The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist" Error

Did your application throw the error "'The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist'"? Are you unsure of how to troubleshoot and resolve this error? In this post, we’ll explain the root cause of this error and provide a step-by-step guide for fixing it.

What is 'The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist' Error

The ‘The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist' error is typically triggered when the application which is calling the cryptographic key container can’t be accessed. It can also happen if the cryptographic key container itself is maliciously constructed.

The ‘The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist' error usually caused by corrupted or missing CSP files.

How to Fix 'The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist' Error

If your application throws the error ‘The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist', here we’ll provide step-by-step guide to fix it.

Step 1: Unregister and Re-register the Key Container

The easiest way to fix this error is to unregister and re-register the key container. First, you have to manually unregister the key. To do that in Windows, open CMD prompt and run this command:

aspnet_regiis -pass -u [Key Container Name]

Then, you have to register the key container again. To do that, run the command below:

aspnet_regiis -pass [Path To Key File]

Step 2: Re-install the .NET Framework

If the first step didn’t resolve your issue, you should reinstall the .NET Framework. To do so, open Control Panel and then navigate to programs and features. Then select Microsoft .NET Framework and click on Uninstall/Change.

After it uninstalls, download and install the latest version of the .NET Framework.

Step 3: Create a New Key Container

If you’ve uninstalled and reinstalled your .NET Framework, create a new key container. To do that, use the following command:

aspnet_regiis -pass -pc[Keys Container Name] -exp

When you’ve successfully created a new key container, your application should no longer throw the Error.

FAQ

What is a cryptographic key container?

A cryptographic key container is a software component that provides a secure storage area for cryptographic keys and other sensitive data. A key container holds cryptographic keys and related data, such as the algorithm and encryption mode.

What is the aspnet_regiis command?

The aspnet_regiis command is a command-line tool that enables you to register a dynamically-generated cryptographic key containers with ASP.NET. It also enables you to unregister them, create new keys, and export and import keys between different ASP.NET installations.

How do I troubleshoot the ‘The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist' error?

The simplest way to troubleshoot the error ‘The Requested Key Container Does Not Exist’ is to unregister and re-register the key container. You can also try reinstalling the .NET Framework, or creating a new key container.

What is the difference between a cryptographic key and a key container?

A cryptographic key is the actual encryption key that is used to encrypt and decrypt data, while a cryptographic key container is a software component that provides a secure storage area for cryptographic keys and other sensitive data.

What is the aspnet_regiis command used for?

The aspnet_regiis command is a command-line tool that enables you to register a dynamically-generated cryptographic key containers with ASP.NET. It also enables you to unregister them, create new keys, and export and import keys between different ASP.NET installations.

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