How to configure Netscape Communicator 4.x to allow secure LDAP queries

(Last modified: 22Nov2002)

This document (10055199) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

goal

fact

Netscape Communicator 4.x

Novell NetWare 5.1

Novell LDAP

symptom

Unable to make Secure LDAP query

cause

Trusted Root Certificate has not been imported into Netscape

fix

Export the Trusted Root Certificate (if not done previously) by doing the following:
1) Open ConsoleOne
2) Expand the Security container at the root of the tree and double-click the certificate authority object.
3) On the Certificates tab, select "Self Signed Certificate" and then click the "Export" button.
4) Export the file as a DER file and choose the desired location.

To install the Trusted Root certificate into Netscape you may have to edit the registry and change the extension of the SelfSignedCert.der file to SelfSignedCert.x509. If you have previously installed Internet Explorer or NT Service Pack 4 the .der file extension will always bring up the Internet Explorer Certificate installation window. Even if you open the file with Netscape.

1) Run X509.REG from the SYS:PUBLIC\MGMT\ directory. This will modify the registry of the workstation and allow Netscape to recognize the .x509 file format.

2) Rename the SelfSignedCert.der file to RootCert.x509.

3) Open Netscape and choose File | Open Page. Browse to SelfSignedCert.x509 file and click Open.

4) The New Certificate Authority window will pop up. Four different screens will pop up, default settings are ok. Click next on the next four Windows.

5) The fifth window allows you to name the Certificate. (any name will do)

The certificate is now installed and you can perform secure LDAP searches from Netscape Navigator.

How To configure the Netscape Communicator Address book to perform LDAP queries.

1) Open Netscape and choose Communicator | Address Book from the menu.

2) From the Address Book menu choose File | New Directory

3) Enter the Name you want to give your Directory. (This can be anything.)

4) In the LDAP Server field enter the IP address of the LDAP server. Search Root can be left blank or o=<organization name> can be used. The Secure box can be checked to use a secure connection if desired.

5) The directory just created should now be available at the left hand side of the Address Book window.
Highlight the directory and start typing the name you wish to search for in the "Show names containing" box.

document

Document Title:	How to configure Netscape Communicator 4.x to allow secure LDAP queries
Document ID:	10055199
Solution ID:	NOVL19422
Creation Date:	19Jul2000
Modified Date:	22Nov2002
Novell Product Class:	NetWare Novell eDirectory

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