Windows 7 shows "Offline" and the license is missing (installing certificates)
If the desktop login screen shows Offline even though you have internet, and you see "Buy license" while you have a license, download and install two security certificates.
If the desktop app's login screen shows a red Offline at the bottom left even though you have internet, and you get a Buy license warning even though you have a license, the problem is most likely that the security certificates on your computer are out of date. This happens most often on Windows 7 computers that no longer get updates. You can fix it in a few minutes by installing the two files below.
Why does this happen?
The BenimPOS desktop app connects to our server over a secure (encrypted) connection. Windows decides whether the connection is secure by checking the root certificates stored on the computer. Because Windows 7 no longer gets updates, newer certificates may be missing from this list. When Windows doesn't trust the connection, the app can't reach the server:
- The login screen shows Offline.
- Your sales don't sync with the web and mobile.
- Because your license details can't be updated on the computer, you see a Buy license or limited free version warning even if you have a license.
Your license isn't deleted and your data isn't lost. Once the certificates are installed, the app reconnects and everything fixes itself.
1. Download the certificates
Download both files. The links go to the official site of Let's Encrypt, the organisation that issues our site's security certificate.
| Certificate | Download link |
|---|---|
| ISRG Root X1 | Download isrgrootx1.der |
| ISRG Root X2 | Download isrg-root-x2.der |
If the link doesn't open in Internet Explorer, open the page in Google Chrome and download from there. Downloaded files are usually saved in the Downloads folder.
2. Install the certificates
Do the steps below first for isrgrootx1.der, then for isrg-root-x2.der.
Open the file
Double-click the file you downloaded. If you're asked “Do you want to open this file?”, press Open. The Certificate window opens.
Press Install Certificate
Press the Install Certificate... button at the bottom of the window. When the Certificate Import Wizard opens, press Next.
Choose the store
Select Place all certificates in the following store. Press Browse..., choose Trusted Root Certification Authorities from the list and press OK. Then press Next.
Finish the installation
Press Finish. A security warning asks “Do you want to install this certificate?”; press Yes. When it says “The import was successful”, press OK.
If the “automatically select” option stays selected when choosing the store, the certificate is installed in the wrong place and the problem isn't fixed. Make sure you choose Trusted Root Certification Authorities.
3. Check
Reopen BenimPOS
Close the app completely and open it again. The login screen should show a green Online at the bottom left.
Log in and sync
Log in as administrator. Sync starts on the Data integration card on the home page. When sync finishes, the license warning disappears. If it doesn't, press Sync now.
If it still says “Offline”
- Are the date and time correct? If the computer's date or time is wrong, a secure connection can't be made. Click the clock at the bottom right and correct it.
- Is Windows 7 Service Pack 1 installed? Type winver in the Start menu and press Enter. If the window that opens doesn't say “Service Pack 1”, this computer can't make secure connections; you need to upgrade Windows.
- An antivirus or firewall may be blocking BenimPOS. Allow BenimPOS in your antivirus program.
- If the problem continues, write to our WhatsApp support line. Our team will help by connecting to your computer remotely.
Microsoft hasn't updated Windows 7 since 2020. These steps fix the connection problem, but other security and compatibility problems may come up later. We recommend moving to Windows 10 or Windows 11 as soon as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Are these files safe?
Yes. Let's Encrypt is a non-profit organisation that issues the security certificates for most websites in the world, including benimpos.com. Only download the files from the official links on this page. If someone sends you these files from somewhere else, by email or on WhatsApp, don't install them.
Do I need to do this on Windows 10 or 11 too?
No. Windows 10 and 11 get these certificates automatically. This problem happens almost only on Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers that aren't updated. If you use Windows 8, you can follow the same steps.
The computer has more than one Windows user.
The steps above install the certificate only for the Windows user who is logged in at the time. If you also open BenimPOS with another Windows user, repeat the steps for that user. Your computer technician or our support team can also install the certificates for all users at once with the commands certutil -addstore -f Root isrgrootx1.der and certutil -addstore -f Root isrg-root-x2.der in a command prompt opened as administrator.
Can I keep selling until the problem is fixed?
Yes. The desktop app sells without internet too; your sales are saved on the computer and sent to the cloud once the connection works. Meanwhile you can also work from the web panel or the mobile app with the same account.
How can I tell if my license is really active?
In the web panel, the My Profile › My License tab shows your license type and end date. If your license shows there, the only problem is that this computer can't reach the server. Details: I paid but my license doesn't show.