Knowledge

ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PEER_CERT - 13847 (0x3617)

Peer failed to send valid machine certificate.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PEER_CERT error code is associated with the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocols, which are used for secure communication over IP networks. This specific error indicates that during an IKE negotiation process, the peer failed to provide a valid machine certificate.

Error Details

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PEER_CERT error code is returned when the security protocol fails to authenticate the peer due to the absence or invalidity of the peer's certificate. This can occur in scenarios where IPsec is configured to require mutual authentication, and the peer does not present a valid certificate.

Common Causes

  • Invalid parameter values: Incorrect configuration parameters for IPsec policies or IKE negotiation settings.
  • Incorrect object type: The object being referenced might be of an incorrect type, such as attempting to use a file system operation on a network object.
  • Exceeding limits: The system may have reached its limit in terms of the number of active IPsec connections or certificates.
  • Corrupted data: Data corruption during the negotiation process could lead to invalid certificate presentation.
  • Unsupported operations: Attempting to perform an operation that is not supported by the current configuration or environment.

Real-World Context

In a typical network setup, IPsec is used to establish secure communication channels between two endpoints. The IKE protocol handles the initial negotiation and key exchange process, ensuring mutual authentication through certificates. If the peer fails to provide a valid certificate, this error will be generated, indicating that the security requirements were not met.

Is This Error Critical?

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PEER_CERT is critical for maintaining secure communication as it indicates a failure in the authentication process. Without proper authentication, the connection cannot proceed securely, and data transmission may be compromised.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this error, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that IPsec policies are correctly configured for mutual authentication.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check all configuration parameters related to IPsec and IKE settings.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the correct object types are being used in the context of IPsec operations.
  4. Verify Input Data: Confirm that the peer is providing valid certificate information during the negotiation process.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Ensure that there are no system limits or constraints preventing the establishment of a secure connection.

How to Resolve

To resolve this error, consider the following steps:

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Adjust IPsec and IKE configuration parameters as necessary.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: Modify the operation context to ensure it aligns with the requirements for mutual authentication.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore or reissue valid certificates.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to establish a secure connection again using valid inputs and configurations.

Developer Notes

When developing applications that rely on IPsec for secure communication, ensure that all necessary security protocols are properly configured and tested. Pay particular attention to certificate management and mutual authentication requirements.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_CERT_EXPIRED (13846): Peer certificate has expired.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_CERT_REVOKED (13845): Peer certificate has been revoked.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PRIVATE_KEY (13849): No private key available for peer authentication.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PEER_CERT error mean?

A: This error indicates that a valid machine certificate was not received from the peer during an IKE negotiation, which is required for mutual authentication in IPsec.

Q: How can I prevent this error?

A: Ensure proper configuration of IPsec policies and mutual authentication requirements. Verify that all certificates are valid and up to date.

Q: Can this error be caused by hardware issues?

A: No, this is a software-related issue and not directly related to hardware. However, hardware failures can indirectly cause data corruption leading to invalid certificate presentation.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NO_PEER_CERT error code indicates that the peer failed to provide a valid machine certificate during an IKE negotiation process. This error is critical for maintaining secure communication and should be addressed by reviewing IPsec configurations, verifying certificates, and ensuring proper mutual authentication requirements are met.