EFS Recovery on stand-alone computers?

[M. Jennings]

How do I access an EFS encrypted file on a USB drive, when the USB drive is
moved to a second stand-alone computer?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The files can be decrypted only with your original encryption certificate
and its associated private key.

Best practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316/EN-US/

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

Encrypting File System in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/cryptfs.mspx

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
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

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| How do I access an EFS encrypted file on a USB drive, when the USB drive is
| moved to a second stand-alone computer?