Removing Encryption after PC crash?

D

DVO

My PC with Windows XP crashed and died and the encrypted files on the
removable media can't be accessed now. Does anyone know if there is any way
to get these files decrypted on my new PC running Vista? I don't have any
keys from the old machine, (didn't know I needed anything when I encrypted
them using XP).
 
M

Manny Weisbord

DVO said:
My PC with Windows XP crashed and died and the encrypted files on the
removable media can't be accessed now. Does anyone know if there is any way
to get these files decrypted on my new PC running Vista? I don't have any
keys from the old machine, (didn't know I needed anything when I encrypted
them using XP).

I think something from here might help:

www.geocities.com/windowsfixes/tools.html
 
B

Bruce Chambers

DVO said:
My PC with Windows XP crashed and died and the encrypted files on the
removable media can't be accessed now. Does anyone know if there is any way
to get these files decrypted on my new PC running Vista? I don't have any
keys from the old machine, (didn't know I needed anything when I encrypted
them using XP).


If your encryption certificates and keys were not backed up for
transfer to the new OS, and the workstation isn't part of a domain
(whose Administrator might act as the designated recovery agent), those
files are gone, for all practical purposes. Encryption works well and
there is no "back door" or hack to access the files. (Wouldn't be much
point to EFS if it were easily by-passed.)


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 

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