Re: decrypt my encrypted files

Abhilash wrote:
Some time ago I had to re-install my entire operating system due to some error. I used a program called winternals to save all of my files to a backup since my OS would not boot. Before this had happened I had some files that where "Encrypted to secure content" (Right click file/properties/General/Advanced/Encypt contents to secure data).

As my old OS had malfunctioned and I had wiped it off and re-installed my OS on the same re-formatted computer, these files essentially where corrupted since they where encrypted using the old machine and to the new OS they where treated as normal files.

I need to find a way to decrypt these files that where encrypted using this EFS system on the old OS.

I know my previous Usernames and Passwords to the old OS. But I don't know if I made any encryption keys which is what a lot of the troubleshooting websites talk about. I simply just right clicked the files and clicked Properties - General - Advanced and checked the box labelled "Encrypt content to secure data" and clicked the OK button.. and thatw as that.

If you failed to backup your encryption keys or create a recovery agent, the data is inaccessible forever. Next time read through all the ramifications and cautions about using encryption before plunging ahead.

You can contact Elcomsoft and see if they think their program will help you. If it won't, then I'm sorry but you can't get your data back.

http://www.elcomsoft.com/aefsdr.html - Encrypted files retrieval application

http://tinyurl.com/6l6xx - MS information about EFS (Encryption)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm - encryption info
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/ - more encryption info
To add a recovery agent for the local computer - http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/encrypt_to_add_recovery_agent.mspx
To change the recovery policy for the local computer - http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/encrypt_to_change_policy.mspx
How to add an EFS recovery agent in Windows XP Professional - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;887414

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