encryption

  • Thread starter Thread starter arcquisumbing
  • Start date Start date
A

arcquisumbing

my computer is a member of a domain. i encrypted some of
my files in my computer while logged on as a user of the
domain. when i onced had problem with my network
connection, i reformatted my hard disk and also removed
and recreated my username in the domain. now, i can not
decrypt my files even i log on with the same username as
before. even if i log on as administrator of either the
domain or the local computer, and take ownership of the
said files, i still can not decrypt my files. what can i
do?
 
If you failed to make copies of your certificate (and no recovery agent certificates exist),
you won't be able to use your encrypted files. No back door exists, nor is there any practical
way to hack these files. (If there were, it wouldn't be very good encryption.)

HOW TO: Remove File Encryption in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308993

Without a backup of the original Encryption Certificate Key, encrypted files
are unrecoverable as they will stay encrypted forever. There is no recovery
method since the encryption algorithm is now completely different with a
reinstall of Windows XP.

See if the following articles help in any way:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Best Practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223316

Encrypting File System in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/cryptfs.mspx

EFS Files Appear Corrupted When You Open Them
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;329741

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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:

| my computer is a member of a domain. i encrypted some of
| my files in my computer while logged on as a user of the
| domain. when i onced had problem with my network
| connection, i reformatted my hard disk and also removed
| and recreated my username in the domain. now, i can not
| decrypt my files even i log on with the same username as
| before. even if i log on as administrator of either the
| domain or the local computer, and take ownership of the
| said files, i still can not decrypt my files. what can i
| do?
 
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