Documented CREATE CERTIFICATE with FORMAT = 'PFX' example, gives syntax error

Question

Hello,

I'm trying to use the CREATE CERTIFICATE command in SQL SERVER 2019 but I get the error: Incorrect syntax near '='.

Using the example: E. Creating a certificate from a PFX file
CREATE CERTIFICATE Shipping04

FROM FILE = 'c:\storedcerts\shipping04cert.pfx'

WITH 

FORMAT = 'PFX', 

PRIVATE KEY (

    DECRYPTION BY PASSWORD = '9n34khUbhk$w4ecJH5gh'

);  

Documented here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/statements/create-certificate-transact-sql?view=sql-server-ver15

What is the correct syntax to CREATE CERTIFICATE from pfx?

Thanks,

Adrian

Answer 1

What is the correct syntax to CREATE CERTIFICATE from pfx?

The syntax is correct, your SQL Server version "is wrong".

Haven't you read

WITH FORMAT = 'PFX' Applies to: SQL Server 2022 (16.x) and later