Framework EDI Reference. eSecurityConsole Utility
Key Containers

Removing a Key Container

Cryptographic Service Providers (CSP) contain a database of key containers.  The key container can consist of at most two public/private key pairs:

1. A Key Exchange pair.
2. A Digital Signature pair.

When the public/private key pairs are created, the binary data generated that make up the keys is unique to that time and space and cannot be replicated.  Once the public/private key pairs are removed, they are gone forever, and documents that were secured by one of the pair can no longer be recovered.  For example, if a document was encrypted by a public key that document can no longer be decrypted if the private key is gone.   

To remove a key container:

1. Locate the key container to remove.  Highlight and expand the CSP that contains the key container.  If key containers do exist in the CSP, the branch "Key Containers" is displayed.
2. Highlight and expand the branch "Key Containers" to list all the key containers in the CSP database.

   

3. In the list, highlight the name of the key container to remove, and then right click to display a popup menu.
4. In the popup menu, scroll down and select Remove Key Container.

   

5. A dialog box will ask for confirmation to delete the specified key container.  In the radio button select:
   • Yes to remove the key container.
   • No if you do not wish to remove the key container.
   • Press OK to accept your selection.

WARNING:  Unless there are provisions made to back up the key container, the key container is gone forever when it is removed.  They cannot be recovered, restored or undeleted.