Unable to decrypt request parameters Error message

Question

I uninstalled and tried to reinstall ArcGIS Server 10.1.  On reinstallation I reached the create site option.  I didn't have a useful site on the server, but the folders from a previous attempt were still on the server (c:\arcgisserver\directories c:\arcgisserver\config-store).  When I attempted to create a new site it failed with "Unable to decrypt request parameters".  Deleting the folders then creating the new site solved the issue.

I didn't see the error message on the forum so here is is with a quick solution.

ANTONIOHERRERA_PRIOR · Answer

I solved it in the following way, the arcgis account that is created during the installation, I added it to the group of administrators, then I logged in with the arcgis account and I was able to successfully create the site. Really very simple

RichardWatson · Answer

My guess is that there is an inconsistent encryption key.

It goes like this:* Sender encrypts information, e.g. credentials using key 1
* Receiver tries to decrypt using key 2
*

I am guessing that this is a symptom of a dyslexic configuration, i.e. some old and some new.

Best to clean it out and start over.

BubbaHey · Answer

I've seen it before. No quick solution. What I had to do is uninstall, then delete the arcgisserver folder (and subfolders), then reinstall. If anyone has a better solution, please post.