finding all encrypted files on hard drives

[Guest]

I need to know if there is a fast way to find all encrypted files on my pc - I have 2 HD's, one is partitioned into "C: and D:" and the other disk is "E:

I need to find out if I encrypted any files on any of the drives w/out going file by file

Once I wipe my C: drive clean, I will not be able to recover any encrypted files on a clean install

Any help appreciated

-Jeff

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

No quick way to do that, but before you wipe and reinstall, you had better
learn how to export and recover the encryption certificates, and also make a
recovery agent. Without them you will not be able to recover encrypted
files, and these *must* be made within the original installation where the
files were encrypted.

Best Practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=223316

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

I need to know if there is a fast way to find all encrypted files on my

pc - I have 2 HD's, one is partitioned into "C: and D:" and the other disk
is "E:"

 

[David Candy]

Why don't you unencrypt everything. Select all in the root of the drive and clear the encryption (note do not do the drive as that marks it for future files only).

To decrypt a file or folder
1.. Open Windows Explorer.
2.. Right-click the encrypted file or folder, and then click Properties.
3.. On the General tab, click Advanced.
4.. Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box.
Note

a.. To open Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
b.. When you decrypt a folder, you are asked if you want all files and subfolders within the folder to be decrypted as well. If you choose to decrypt the folder only, the encrypted files and folders within the decrypted folder remain encrypted. However, new files and folder that you create within the decrypted folder will not be automatically encrypted.
Related Topics


You can also back up your certificates. See help.