XPS Signer vs. Alternatives: Which Digital Signing Tool Is Right for You?

Troubleshooting XPS Signer: Common Issues and Fixes

1. Installation Fails or Installer Won’t Run

• Possible causes: corrupt installer, missing prerequisites (Windows updates, .NET), insufficient permissions.
• Fixes:
  1. Re-download installer from the official source and verify file size/checksum if available.
  2. Run as Administrator.
  3. Install required components (.NET Framework / Windows updates) and reboot.
  4. Temporarily disable antivirus during install and re-enable afterward.

2. XPS Documents Won’t Open in XPS Signer

• Possible causes: file corruption, wrong file association, unsupported XPS variant.
• Fixes:
  1. Open the XPS file in another viewer (Windows XPS Viewer) to check corruption.
  2. Re-associate .xps files with XPS Signer via Settings > Apps > Default apps.
  3. If file is damaged, obtain a fresh copy or regenerate from source.

3. Digital Signature Fails to Apply or Verify

• Possible causes: invalid certificate, expired certificate, incorrect certificate store, mismatched hashing algorithm.
• Fixes:
  1. Verify the certificate is valid and not expired in Cert Manager (certmgr.msc).
  2. Ensure the certificate’s private key is present and accessible (check “You have a private key that corresponds to this certificate”).
  3. Use a supported hashing algorithm (SHA-256) if the app rejects older hashes.
  4. Import certificate into the correct store (Personal/My) and give app permission to use it.

4. Permission or Access Errors When Signing

• Possible causes: lack of write access to file location, UAC restrictions, running in a restricted environment.
• Fixes:
  1. Save signed files to a writable folder (Documents/Desktop) or run app as Administrator.
  2. Turn off Controlled Folder Access or add XPS Signer to allowed apps in Windows Security.
  3. For network locations, copy file locally, sign, then copy back.

5. Signature Not Visible or Not Embedded

• Possible causes: signature applied as metadata only, viewer doesn’t display signatures, signing mode incorrect.
• Fixes:
  1. Confirm XPS Signer option to embed/visualize signature is enabled.
  2. Open file in a viewer that supports XPS signatures (some viewers ignore embedded signatures).
  3. Reapply signature using “embed visual signature” or export signed XPS.

6. Crashes or Freezes During Use

• Possible causes: software bugs, conflicts with other apps, corrupted user profile/settings.
• Fixes:
  1. Update XPS Signer to the latest version.
  2. Check Event Viewer for error logs (Windows Logs > Application) and share with vendor if needed.
  3. Reset app settings or create a fresh user profile and test.
  4. Reinstall the app cleanly: uninstall, delete leftover config folders, reboot, reinstall.

7. Problems with Timestamping or Time-Stamp Authority (TSA)

• Possible causes: unreachable TSA server, incorrect TSA URL, network/proxy blocking.
• Fixes:
  1. Verify TSA URL and test connectivity (curl or browser).
  2. Check proxy/firewall settings and allow outbound HTTPS to TSA.
  3. If TSA requires authentication, ensure credentials are configured.

8. Interoperability Issues (Other Apps Reject Signature)

• Possible causes: non-standard signature format, missing certificate chain, revoked certificate.
• Fixes:
  1. Ensure full certificate chain (root/intermediate) is embedded or available on verifying system.
  2. Check revocation status (CRL/OCSP) and ensure verifier can reach revocation servers.
  3. Use standard formats (CAdES, CMS) if XPS Signer offers options.

9. Licensing or Activation Problems

• Possible causes: expired license, activation server unreachable, wrong license key.
• Fixes:
  1. Verify license status in app > About or License screen.
  2. Ensure internet access for activation or follow offline activation steps provided by vendor.
  3. Contact vendor support with order details.

10. Logging and Support Steps to Collect

• Actions to gather before contacting support:
  1. App version and build number.
  2. Windows version (Settings > About).
  3. Exact error messages and screenshots.
  4. Event Viewer logs (Application) timestamped around the issue.
  5. Sample XPS file that reproduces problem and certificate details (subject, issuer, expiry).

If you want, I can provide step-by-step commands or a checklist tailored to your Windows version or help draft a support report to send to the vendor.