Cannot Decrypt Data after formatting partition

  • Thread starter Thread starter KinU
  • Start date Start date
K

KinU

I formatted my boot partition. I had encrypted data on
the other partition i had. Now i cannot view my data. I
tried to decrypt it but the option is disabled. I really
need help with this one.
 
HOW TO: Remove File Encryption in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308993

Without a backup of the original Encryption Certificate Key, encrypted files
are unrecoverable as they will stay encrypted forever. There is no recovery
method since the encryption algorithm is now completely different with a
reinstall of Windows XP.

See if the following articles help in any way:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

Best Practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223316

Encrypting File System in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prod
technol/winxppro/deploy/CryptFS.asp

EFS Files Appear Corrupted When You Open Them
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;329741

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I formatted my boot partition. I had encrypted data on
| the other partition i had. Now i cannot view my data. I
| tried to decrypt it but the option is disabled. I really
| need help with this one.
 
You obviously did not read my post and/or are not familiar with the
product you mention.
There is a link on my page that can do the same as the tool you
mentioned.
Where are the keys the OP needs to decrypt the files?
The keys are necessary.
If you did it, you had the keys.
Your situation is not the same if the OP does not have the keys.

The OP probably does not have the keys.
Therefore "Your data is most likely gone forever"

However I gave all the necessary information for the OP to make the
determination based on information he may not have given.
 
Jupiter Jones said:
You obviously did not read my post and/or are not familiar with the
product you mention.
There is a link on my page that can do the same as the tool you
mentioned.
Where are the keys the OP needs to decrypt the files?
The keys are necessary.
If you did it, you had the keys.
Your situation is not the same if the OP does not have the keys.
Click to expand...

Hi

Actually, this product claims that it handles lost and destroyed encryption
keys as well, from
http://www.crackpassword.com/products/prs/otherms/efs/features.php

<quote>
The latest addition to ElcomSoft's family of password recovery software allows
business managers to deal with lost and destroyed encryption keys
</quote>
 
I am curious as to that claim. I just downloaded their program. I have tested it
in the past and it was able to recover files when the private keys were still on
the computer after a reinstall , but not a format, of the operating system. I
tried again, but this time I exported/deleted the private EFS keys and logged
off/on before trying to use the program. When I tried scanning for encrypted
files, I promptly received a message that the private keys had not been found
yet and that without the keys the files could not be decrypted. I then tried to
scan for key pairs and it said none found, try another volume. I then entered my
password, and still had the same results. --- Steve
 
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