Re: Cannot access files using backed-up EFS key...

Lutz wrote:

Steve,

Thanks for all your help so far! It is most appreciated!

I have not formatted the drive so I don't have to worry about file
recovery software. The only issue is that the system cannot be
booted...crashes and reboots and a repair install didn't help.

I browsed to "application data\Microsoft\crypto\rsa folder" on the drive
in the external enclosure using the other computer and found 11 system
files that look like they begin with "thumbprint" IDs, but none of them
match the thumbprint supposedly on my files. Am I correct in my assumption
that one should match the beginning of the file name?

I downloaded the free trial version of AEFSDR 3.0 and it found 531 keys, 4
of which could be decryped. (Is it normal to have that many?) A scan
showed that all but 1 of over 5,000 files could be decrypted, and showed
me the first 512K of each to prove it. Thus, I know that method will work.

However, I'm wondering if there's a cheaper way. When you said paid help
of Microsoft, do you mean Windows XP Support or something else? What I'm
thinking of is when you purchase a retail copy of Windows you get 2 free
support requests...does that count in this case? Could they help recover
my files (low/no cost)?


No, there is no cheaper way. If you data is important then $100 is a good
deal. I don't think bottom-tier MS tech support handles this. Bottom-tier
tech support is - IIRC - $35/hr. Specialized tech support is $245/hr., or
at least it was the last time I bought some a few years ago.

Data recovery by specialists such as Drive Savers starts at around $500 and
goes up from there.

So if you want your data, bite the bullet and pay to get it back. Then spend
some time learning about encryption before you try to encrypt anything else
again.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"
.

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