How to Fix 'Kindly Restart the emSigner' Error | Step-by-Step Solution for Digital Signature Issues

Are you seeing the message "Kindly restart the emSigner" while trying to use your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on government portals like MCA, DGFT, ICEGATE, or eProcurement? You’re not alone. This common issue prevents users from signing documents or completing authentication processes.

In this guide by SignYourDoc, we’ll explain what causes this error and how to fix it quickly. Follow this step-by-step solution to get your emSigner working again on Windows 7, 10, or 11.

🔍 What is the “Kindly Restart the emSigner” Error?

This error usually occurs when:

• The emSigner service is not running.
• The Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not properly detected.
• Java or browser settings are misconfigured.
• The port required by emSigner is blocked or already in use.

The error message typically appears on portals like:

• MCA21 (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
• ICEGATE
• eProcurement or GeM
• DGFT
• Traces / Income Tax e-Filing
• EPFO

✅ Step-by-Step Solution to Fix "Kindly Restart the emSigner"

Step 1: Close and Reopen emSigner Properly

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find and End Task for any running emSigner.exe processes.
3. Now, Right-click the emSigner icon on your desktop and select Run as Administrator.
4. Wait for the confirmation message: "emSigner started successfully at port XXXX".

⚠️ Note: The default port is usually 8080 or 1585, depending on the portal.

Step 2: Ensure Correct emSigner Version is Installed

• Use the specific version of emSigner required by the respective portal:
  • MCA: emSigner 2.6 or higher
  • DGFT: emSigner 2.6 (1585 port)
  • ICEGATE: emSigner with PKI setup
• Uninstall previous versions via Control Panel > Programs.
• Download the official version from the respective portal or from SignYourDoc support.

Step 3: Allow emSigner Through Windows Firewall

1. Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Firewall.
3. Ensure that Java(TM) Platform SE Binary and emSigner are allowed on Private and Public networks.

Step 4: Check Port Availability

• Open your browser and type:
  http://localhost:8080
  or
  http://127.0.0.1:1585

If the page doesn’t load, the port may be blocked. In that case:

• Try using an alternative port like 1585 or 9090.
• Edit the emSigner shortcut to run with a different port:
  Example:
  emSigner.exe -port 1585

Step 5: Java Settings Configuration

1. Go to Control Panel > Java > Security tab.
2. Add the URL of the government portal to the Exception Site List.
   Example:

• • https://www.mca.gov.in
  • https://icegate.gov.in

1. Set the Security Level to High.
2. Click on OK and restart your system.

Step 6: Browser Settings (Especially for Internet Explorer / Edge)

• Always use Internet Explorer 11 or Microsoft Edge (in IE mode) for emSigner-supported sites.
• In Internet Options:
  • Enable ActiveX controls.
  • Add portal URLs to Trusted Sites.
  • Enable TLS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 under Advanced settings.

🔁 Still Not Working? Try These Additional Fixes:

• Re-insert your DSC Token after launching emSigner.
• Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily to test connectivity.
• Try switching browsers (use IE mode if on Edge).
• Reboot the system after updating emSigner and Java.

🛠️ Common Causes of “Kindly Restart the emSigner” Error