Can not open encrypted files (EFS) (Please help) reposted

  • Thread starter Thread starter persiancity
  • Start date Start date
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persiancity

Hi there,

Please find My problem described here:


http://groups.google.com/group/comp.os.ms-windows.misc/browse_thread/...



At final, I find that I have to replace my Windows XP's account
Certificate with an old one, If I can assign a correct Certificate to
encrypted file then I guess that I am able to decrypt it, I have the
old cert. but:

I opened 'certmgr.msc' in MMC. In the "Personal\Certificates" and
"Trusted People\Certificates" I have TWO Certificates named 'ABC'. One
of them have the correct thumbprint (I am very happy that it exists!),
and another have a new thumbprint and as I see the 'Valid Date' started



from the what date I got the problem.


So, I export both Certificates into a safe place. Then I delete new
Certificate and re-login to the account, it create a new one with a new



new thumbprint instead of using the old Certificate that I guess (I am
sure) slove my problem.


I right-click on the new created Certificate icon and select:
All Tasks -> Renew Certificate with New Key


I am sure it's what I need but I got this message: "The wizard cannot
be started because it failed to contact the active directory."


The message title named "Certificate Renewal Wizard", I have not seen
it yet but I guess it'll let me to import old (CORRECT) certificate key



for new certificate. I am not sure that WinXP have Active Directory
installed, and can not find any option in Add/Remove too.


I need a way to renew an auto-created Certificate with an old one or
replace it for my account. Wizard didn't work to do it! :-|


Please tell me how I can replace/renew a Certificate in Windows XP.


Mehdi
 
In order to open encrypted files, you must have the original certificate that
was used to encrypt those files along with its private key. The certificate
alone is a .CER file; the certificate and key are a .PFX file. It's the .PFX
file that you need to import into your Personal certificates store. Once
that's done, you will be able to open your files.

Thanks.
Pat
 
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