encrypted files recovery

[cdb_YMCA]

I am unable to decrypt files that I myself encrypted. The
following had happend. I created on my hard drive two
partitions (first partition primary - for operating
system, second partition logical - for data), both of them
were converted in NTFS format. After I have problem with
starting my Windows XP operation system, I reinstall
Windows XP on primary partition. After this I am unable
access to any of my files (impossible to open or decrypt).
PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Before you encrypt anything important, you should back up your
personal encryption certificate (with its associated private key)
and the recovery agent certificate to a floppy disk and store it in
a secure location. If you ever lose your original certificate
(because of a hard disk failure, for example), you can restore
the backup copy and regain access to your files.

If you lose all copies of your certificate (and no recovery agent certificates exist),
you won't be able to use your encrypted files. No back door exists,
nor is there any practical way to hack these files.
(If there were, it wouldn't be very good encryption.)

HOW TO: Remove File Encryption in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308993

Without a backup of the original Encryption Certificate Key, encrypted files
are unrecoverable as they will stay encrypted forever. There is no recovery
method since the encryption algorithm is now completely different with a
reinstall of Windows XP.

See if the following articles help in any way:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

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

Encrypting File System in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/cryptfs.mspx

EFS Files Appear Corrupted When You Open Them
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;329741

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I am unable to decrypt files that I myself encrypted. The
| following had happend. I created on my hard drive two
| partitions (first partition primary - for operating
| system, second partition logical - for data), both of them
| were converted in NTFS format. After I have problem with
| starting my Windows XP operation system, I reinstall
| Windows XP on primary partition. After this I am unable
| access to any of my files (impossible to open or decrypt).
| PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

It may be "impossible to open or decrypt".
Did you back-up the essential files BEFORE reinstalling Windows XP?

See this link for possible options and ways to prevent this in the
future:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm

 

[Fred Capobianco]

Let me know if you hear naything I'm having the same
problem.

Thanks