Microsoft Pvkimprt

The Microsoft PVK Import Tool (pvkimprt.exe) is a legacy command-line utility used to import private keys (.pvk files) and their associated public certificates (.spc or .cer files) into the Windows registry or certificate store. It is primarily recognized for converting separate key files into a unified Personal Information Exchange (.pfx) format, which is essential for signing VBA projects or macros in Microsoft Office. Core Command Syntax

To execute actions, run the Windows Command Prompt as an Administrator and choose one of the two core methods: To Import into the Registry/Store: pvkimprt -import </code> Use code with caution. <strong>To Export Directly to a PFX File</strong>: <code>pvkimprt -PFX <spc-file> <pvk-file> <pfx-file> Use code with caution. Step-by-Step Guide: Importing and Creating a PFX File 1. Launch the Import Command

Open Command Prompt and input the parameters targeting your specific file paths:

pvkimprt -import C:\path\to\certificate.spc C:\path\to\privatekey.pvk Use code with caution. 2. Provide the Private Key Password A graphical pop-up window will prompt you for a password.

Type the exact password created when the .pvk file was originally generated. Click OK. 3. Complete the Certificate Import Wizard

The command automatically triggers the native Windows Certificate Import Wizard: Click Next on the welcome screen.

Choose Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate. Click Finish. 4. Export the Merged Keys as a PFX

Once imported into your local system, you must bundle them together into a .pfx file so that applications like the Excel or Word VBA Editor can read them:

pvkimprt -PFX C:\path\to\certificate.spc C:\path\to\privatekey.pvk C:\path\to\output.pfx You will be prompted to create a new, secure password to protect the newly generated `.pfx` file. --- ### Modern Alternatives Because `pvkimprt.exe` is an older, standalone tool that is no longer actively maintained by Microsoft, modern administrative systems prefer using the nativePvk2Pfx** utility built into the [Windows Driver Kit (WDK)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/pvk2pfx). The equivalent command using the modern tool avoids secondary wizard pop-ups entirely:cmd pvk2pfx.exe -pvk privatekey.pvk -spc certificate.spc -pfx output.pfx -pi “` If you want to troubleshoot a specific environment, let me know: * What operating system version you are currently running? * What type of application (e.g., Excel VBA, IIS Server, Code Signing) will use this key? * Whether you are getting any specific error messages during execution. Use code with caution. Convert .pfx (p12) certificate to a .pvk + .spc – Digi-Sign