retrieving protected files

[Macho]

Hi all,

My friend recently screwed up his Windows XP so bad that
even the repair windows option couldn't restore his OS.

He installed Windows XP on another harddisk so that he
can retrieve his files. The wonderful part is, he left
all his important files on the desktop and the my
documents folder. Now he can't access those files
(they're in green fonts), it tells him the files are
protected and he has no access to them.

I think its desktop & my docs are all under a protected
folder right? How can I copy those files into the new
harddrive?

Thanks

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Are you sure they are green?
Green is usually encrypted.

Make sure it is not an Ownership issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

If the files are encrypted.
If you did not back-up the encryption key or the Recovery Agent and
are not on a domain, the files are as good as gone.
This must be accomplished while you have access to the files.
If you have not already done so, it is now to late.

If you can restore the original profile (not recreate) you may be able
to recover the data.
Recreating profiles and passwords is irrelevant.
Contact Microsoft if you can restore the profile.
Or:
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/index.php

EFS is very good at what it does and there is no back door.
Read and understand these links before using EFS to keep from
permanently losing your data:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/techinfo/administration/recovery/default.asp
(58 pages)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=223316