Re: HELP!!! Can't open an encrypted file.

From: Torgeir Bakken (MVP) (Torgeir.Bakken-spam_at_hydro.com)
Date: 12/02/03 

Date: Tue, 02 Dec 2003 04:50:41 +0100

billW1701 wrote:

> And what are those proper precautions? I was thinking of
> using EFS to encrypt some files but what can I do to
> insure that I will be able to decrypt them?

Hi

>From a previous posting of mine:

Read and understand the information in the links below before you start using
Encrypting File System (EFS), or you will very likely loose your files one
time in the future:

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

Encrypting File System in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/CryptFS.asp

(58 pages, will also tell the differences between Win2k and WinXP regarding
EFS)

also gives information/links on to how to export keys, e.g.

"Data Recovery on Standalone Machines"

Under "Knowledge Base Articles on EFS" you will find e.g.

241201 How to Back Up Your Encrypting File System Private Key
259732 EFS Recovery Agent Cannot Export Private Keys
255742 Methods for Recovering Encrypted Data Files

Reading 255742, will give you this as well:

241201 HOW TO: Back Up Your Encrypting File System Private Key in Windows 2000

242296 How to Restore an EFS Private Key for Encrypted Data Recovery

If your computer is not a member of an AD domain, this part of the document is
obligatory reading:

"Using EFS with Standalone Machines or NT 4.0 Domains" 

--
torgeir
Microsoft MVP Scripting and WMI, Porsgrunn Norway
Administration scripting examples and an ONLINE version of the 1328 page
Scripting Guide: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter

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