How to decrypt files that has EFS encryption

[Chikatilo]

Hello. On my previous Windows XP installation I had a folder (on another
partition) with the 'hidden' attribute and all files within the folder was
also hidden. For several reasons I had to reinstall WinXP (while keeping the
files on the second partition). Now my problem was that I could not access
this specific folder. I resolved this by following the instructions on this
page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Now I can see the files in the folder, but I cannot open or copy them! If I
try to uncheck the box "Encrypt contents to secure data" in Properties
(General - Advanced) of the files I only get the message "An error occurred
applying attributes to the file ... Access is denied."

I never encrypted the files in the first place (I only gave them the
'hidden' attribute). How can I make the files work again? I tried to read a
little about EFS and from what I understand it seems like I'm in deep shit.
But there must be a workaround. There always is a workaround!

Can anybody help?

Ch.

 

[Richard Urban]

If, in fact, the folder has been encrypted (the O/S does not just do this
arbitrarily) you WILL need the key to decrypt the files to see/use them.

Sorry! No work around.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Are the files green?
If so they are encrypted and someone had to deliberately encrypt the data.
You will need the original keys to decrypt the data:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm
If it is an Ownership issue, step 1 on that link will help.
But if the files are encrypted (green), your data is most likely gone for
good for all practical purposes.