How to access encryped files

[BT]

I encrypted several files on my hard drive. It later crashed.

I restored it with my OEMs restore CD

I have images of the old hard drive I made before restoring it, but I did
not realize that even thoug I can still see the file in my image browser, I
can no longer access it.

I have researched the problem for several days, and it seem that if I had a
user with a "Recovery Agent's" certicificate, I could recover the lost data.

My questions are: How can I set myself up with this certificate? (This is my
personal PC and I am the sole user) the second question is: Is there a
better way to approach recovering my lost data?

Thanks

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

I encrypted several files on my hard drive. It later crashed.

I restored it with my OEMs restore CD

I have images of the old hard drive I made before restoring it, but I did
not realize that even thoug I can still see the file in my image browser, I
can no longer access it.

I have researched the problem for several days, and it seem that if I had a
user with a "Recovery Agent's" certicificate, I could recover the lost data.

My questions are: How can I set myself up with this certificate? (This is my
personal PC and I am the sole user) the second question is: Is there a
better way to approach recovering my lost data?

Hi

If you didn't export the encryption keys before the reinstall, you
have a problem.

If you can restore (from a backup) the user profile folders for the
user that encrypted the files and if you remember the password for
the user that encrypted the data, you might be able to save the files.

Take a look at this site for more details:

http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I encrypted several files on my hard drive. It later crashed.

I restored it with my OEMs restore CD

I have images of the old hard drive I made before restoring it, but I
did not realize that even thoug I can still see the file in my image
browser, I can no longer access it.

I have researched the problem for several days, and it seem that if I
had a user with a "Recovery Agent's" certicificate, I could recover
the lost data.

My questions are: How can I set myself up with this certificate?
(This is my personal PC and I am the sole user) the second question
is: Is there a better way to approach recovering my lost data?

If the files are encrypted and you did not backup the certificates, consider
the data lost for all intents and purposes. That is the way encryption
works. It is made to protect your files (data) from prying eyes and it does
its job pretty well, wouldn't you agree?

If you have not read this, I suggest you read it so you understand more
about encryption before using it again in the future:

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

And this article:

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

Will show you (at the bottom) "How to back up your certificate".. You now
know "Why" you should backup your certificate, so that part of the article
will probably be old hat to you.

 

[Cristian Iosifescu]

How can I export the encryption keys ?

Hi

If you didn't export the encryption keys before the reinstall, you
have a problem.

If you can restore (from a backup) the user profile folders for the
user that encrypted the files and if you remember the password for
the user that encrypted the data, you might be able to save the files.

Take a look at this site for more details:

http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/



--
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/default.mspx

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

How can I export the encryption keys ?

Hi

Some links that provides information about this;

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;255742

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223316

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/howto/efsguide.mspx

and most important

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prnb_efs_qutx.asp