FAQs

Technical Issues

  1. I use a Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services system. Can I still use a Unipass?
  2. What software will I need for a Unipass?
  3. What Internet browser should I use?
  4. Are there any issues regarding Internet browsers?
  5. Can I get technical details about Unipass?
  6. Can I use my Unipass for securing email?
  7. Does it matter what version of Windows I use?
  8. Why does my computer say it can't verify my Unipass?

  1. I use a Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services system. Can I still use a Unipass?

    Yes you can. All that is required as a prerequisite is for your Server Administrator(s) to perform a central installation of the OnSiteMSI file on the Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services server(s) before you collect your Unipass. This file, written by VeriSign, is a stand-alone package which contains the ActiveX software components which are normally required to be downloaded and installed by users before they collect or renew a Unipass on their PC for the first time. Central installation of this file is a requirement for Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services users.

    If you have any further questions relating to Unipass and Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services, please call the Helpdesk on 0871 22 12345, or email us.

  2. What software will I need for a Unipass?

    There is no need for any additional software other than your normal Internet browser.

  3. What Internet browser should I use?

    To make use of your Unipass you will require an Internet web browser that supports digital certificates. Netscape Navigator 4 or higher, Internet Explorer 4 or higher, and Firefox 1.0 or higher have built-in facilities to download, store and use digital certificates.

    Links to download current versions of these browsers can be found on the Useful Software and Websites page.

  4. Are there any issues regarding Internet browsers?

    You must collect your Unipass using the same computer and Internet browser you intend to use it with. For example, a Unipass collected using Netscape will not necessarily work in Internet Explorer (although compatibility between the newest versions of these products is improving). You should also use the computer you normally work on when collecting your Unipass, as the Unipass will normally reside on the PC you use to collect it.

    Browsers and e-mail clients should also be used in matched pairs: i.e. use the security features of Outlook 98 (or later) or Outlook Express with a Unipass installed in Internet Explorer. Similarly, use Netscape Messenger with a Unipass installed in Netscape. Please check your email client's documentation for further information on compatibility.

  5. Can I get technical details about Unipass?

    Unipass certificates conform to the X.509 version 3 standard specifications. More information about the specific content of Unipass digital certificates can be found in our Certification Practice Statement (CPS), which can be downloaded from the Legal Information area of our website.

  6. Can I use my Unipass for securing email?

    Can I use my Unipass for securing email?

    Yes, many popular email applications support the use of digital certificates, for example:

    • Microsoft Outlook 98 (and later)
    • Microsoft Outlook Express
    • Netscape Messenger

    Other email packages are available which support secure email. Please review your application's documentation for more information. If you still have problems or questions, please call the Unipass Helpdesk on 0871 22 12345, or email us.

  7. Does it matter what version of Windows I use?

    Yes - you can't use Windows 95 to collect a Unipass, or any BT- or VeriSign-issued digital certificate. This is because a critical flaw in the way Windows handles digital certificates was found some time ago, and fixed by Microsoft for all versions of Windows which were supported at the time. Unfortunately, as of 31st December 2001, all support for Windows 95 (apart from online self-help) was retired by Microsoft. Please see the Windows Product Lifecycle page on the Microsoft website for further details.

  8. Why does my computer say it can't verify my Unipass?

    Please note that this does NOT affect normal use of your Unipass. The condition occurs only if you are viewing your Unipass in your Internet browser and you don't have the OSIS Root CA certificate installed on your computer. The OSIS Root CA certificate is needed in order to fully check the validity of your Unipass.

    When you use your Unipass to access websites, the website owner has the OSIS Root CA certificate installed, and uses it to do a validity check on your Unipass at their end. You can prevent the verification error message appearing on your computer by installing the OSIS Root CA certificate, using the instructions available from the Useful Documents page.