I believe it uses the TPM module signature as part of the authentication. So new computer new key needed. Welcome to enhanced security. 

On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 10:41 AM David Crawford <dcrawford2020@gmail.com> wrote:
Mike,

A certificate is “tied” to a specific computer. Your old one probably expired. 

Dave

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 5, 2026, at 10:28 AM, Michael Philbrick <philbrick52@gmail.com> wrote:


Good morning fellow hams,

Information only for those with a Logbook of the World account with ARRL. The story is I had setup a LotW account with ARRL. At some point in time, I replaced a computer with a newer model of an old computer. I have never really been interested too much in special things that a ham can investigate and/or participate in, but the Worked All States (WAS) for the 250th did get my attention. That ham activity requires using LotW. So, I began trying to setup that app on my present ham computer. I have my original postcard from ARRL and I found my 3+ years old email with my trusted certificate file. I could eventually login and see my QSO/QSL history, my certificate number, and my certificate dates. However, many features are grayed out. I cannot upload my tq6 special file and the reason popup states it is because "this is not the computer you requested your certificate". I suppose it is a MAC addressing issue. That's the only way that makes any sense to me that ARRL could be filtering access. There are several YouTubes on setting up your LotW account. I didn't find one on what happens if your computer crashed or if you upgraded to a different computer. Yes, a little perturbed, but now awaiting an email with new certificate.

--
Michael Philbrick
Odd Job Technician
Retired Guys LLC (fictional)
Cousin to my genealogy relatives
NØUDF to hams
Retired science/CTE educator
Seneca, KS
785-294-2719

______________________________________________________________
MCARC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/mcarc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:MCARC@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
MCARC mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/mcarc
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:MCARC@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html