help please on passwords, encryption etc

From: L Smith (lsmith.mail@btinternet.com)
Date: 06/29/02 

From: "L Smith" <lsmith.mail@btinternet.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2002 21:24:05 +0100

Hi

Running XP Pro with administrator rights, ntfs file system on a standalone
PC. I have several questions about password protection and encrypting
files.

First, I'm confused about the difference between making a folder private and
encrypting it. Either method makes the contents inaccessible to other users
(or at least appears to do so), so why are there two options?

Second, I've made a password reset disk. In the event of having to do a
full system reinstall, will I be able to use this to recover my data ? I
suspect not, so if I am right, how can I recover data that is in either
private or encrypted folders?

Third, I have made backups which are stored in a standard folder on a second
drive, but will these be usable in the event of a complete re-install as
described above? As the backup is of a private or encrypted folder, will
the recovered data be accessible?

Finally, I have tried to use the mmc to a) designate either myself or the
administrator account as the recovery agent so that b) I could back up the
recovery key, but without success. In fact, I fear I may have made things
worse! Console Root / Certificates / Trusted People shows my logon but then
chuckling properties of the certificate shows it is not trusted, and I am
told to install it in the Trusted Authorities Store - but I don't know how
to do this. Console Root / Certificates / Recovery / Certificates shows two
certificates - called 'A' and 'L' (my initial and the administrator
initial?)but again neither are trusted and I get the same advice.

Having lost data once before due to a system crash I am really anxious to
ensure I do all I can to safeguard my data. Any help you can offer will be
gratefully received!

Thanks

LS

Relevant Pages

  • Re: XP SP2 encryption
    ... "Recovery Policy Configured for this system contains invalid certificate" ... The Encrypting File System recovery policy that is implemented ... These certificates cannot be used. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Win XP Pro Encryption
    ... No recovery agent is found ... Do I need to use a Windows login password to make the key work. ... Microsoft does not suggest encrypting individual files and using cipher /w ... and do a complete reinstall of Win XP pro. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Win XP Pro Encryption
    ... "Mei2Qiang2" wrote: ... No recovery agent is found ... Microsoft does not suggest encrypting individual files and using cipher /w ... and do a complete reinstall of Win XP pro. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Getting back my encrypted directory
    ... Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP ... > If you start to use NTFS Encrypting File System (EFS), ... > Q241201 How to Back Up Your Encrypting File System Private Key ... > Q242296 How to Restore an EFS Private Key for Encrypted Data Recovery ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: help please on passwords, encryption etc
    ... Making folder private means no-one can read it without the password. ... A password reset disk is NOT a data recovery disk. ... I have several questions about password protection and encrypting ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)