windows xp professional encrypted files

[Dr. Ramses Seleem]

I encrypted some files with windows xp professional.
Then I moved them to another drive. I formated the
original hard drive whic windows and these encrypted
files were in. The I reinstalled the same version of
windows but at the moment I cannot open, move or copy
these encrypted files. It denies access to them.

I have a case number with microsoft technical support but
they did not do anything for me in three days. They
promised that someone will call me but no call so far. I
placed a complaint over the phone but I am thinking of
taking them to court over this issue.

Is there anyone out there who can help me resolve this
problem.

Sincerley

Dr. Ramses Seleem

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Dr. Ramses Seleem;
I doubt you would get any where in court.
From your description, this is what it seems like you did:
1. Encrypted data
2. Saved encrypted data without saving necessary decryption keys.
3. Destroyed all other data including necessary decryption keys.

Are you 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

 

[magj]

Hi!

I know you're not here to hear these semi technical info but it will
help you decide what you need to do(or where are you now) .I just tried to
simplify the situation as much as possible.Please ignore this if you are
still angry

As short as possible:

Basics:
Encryption is a complex method which is consist of decoding data
passing a complex procedure which will use public key , a private key ...
(by using a key algorithm, which renders it unreadable without the knowledge
of the key.)
as well as the conventional keys you cannot decrypt(open a safe) without the
keys.
When you install an NT(r) based Windows(r) such as XP(r) -2000 ... that
installation will make a key (a unique code) which is different for
different accounts and will not be unique in all future installations.You
cannot even read the data on the other accounts of that windows
installation(NTFS ENCRYPTED)....


FAULT:
It was your fault that you moved that data into an NTFS partition
again ('cause it's still encrypted and the decryption code is lost). there
are still hopes to recover data using some difficult methods.


Actions:
BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART IS: just do not do anything that may
make things even worse.
be patient and your data will be recovered. wait for Microsoft, Call your
nearest data recovery company, there are many of them all over....What ever
you do, Just be patient..

Disclaimer:
Some of the tech. info.'s may seem not as actually as they are
really. but my fast simplification method made it possible). I'm not
neither a Microsoft staff nor their lawyer, and I'm not connected with them
in anyway. I 'm not responsible for actions and decisions you'll make by
reading this &...

and excuse me 'cause it needs much more detailed description and ...

Sincerely,
MAGJ
(e-mail address removed)