File Encryption

  • Thread starter Thread starter ESquire
  • Start date Start date
E

ESquire

I apologise for having to ask this
but i have WinXp installed on my comp also
a few days ago, my computer encountered an error which
ended with me having to format my windows partition and
reinstall winXP. and thus my problem is this. because
winxp is newly reinstalled, i can't seem to get my
preciously encrypted files to decrypt.

when refering to the help, it says that i should use the
admin account to decrypt it. however the i am unable to do
so. I realised that my protection certificate is
apparently not in the trusted folder.

How do i decrypt the files and recover them.

i would greatly appreciate any help. all my recent college
assignments are all under encrpytion and it would be a
great relief to get them back if possible
 
Greetings --

If the files were truly encrypted, and if your encryption
certificates and keys were not backed up and exported before the
reinstallation, and the workstation isn't part of a domain, those
files are gone, for all practical purposes. Encryption works well and
there is no "back door" or hack to access the files. (Wouldn't be
much point to EFS if it were vulnerable.)


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
Are you sure it is not an Ownership issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

If the files are encrypted.
If you did not back-up the encryption key or the Recovery Agent and
are not on a domain, the files are as good as gone.
This must be accomplished while you have access to the files.
If you have not already done so, it is now to late.

If you can restore the original profile (not recreate) you may be able
to recover the data.
Recreating profiles and passwords is irrelevant.
Contact Microsoft if you can restore the profile.
Or:
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/index.php

EFS is very good at what it does and there is no back door.
Read and understand these links before using EFS to keep from
permanently losing your data:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/techinfo/administration/recovery/default.asp
(58 pages)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=223316
 
Back
Top