Encrypted files Need help!!!

[Jason Knight]

I had to format my C: drive and I had some encrypted
files in two other drives after reinstalling windows xp I
found out that it wouldn't give me acces to these files.
Is there a way to regain access to my files or am I
finished?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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/tr...chnet/prodtechnol/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

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| I had to format my C: drive and I had some encrypted
| files in two other drives after reinstalling windows xp I
| found out that it wouldn't give me acces to these files.
| Is there a way to regain access to my files or am I
| finished?
|
| Thanks,
| Jason

 

[Peter Clark]

perhaps, have a read here, may help:
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jason;
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) and know the
password, 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

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Good site.
However it appears the OP does not have access to the original
profile.
With the original profile (can not be recreated) the information on
that link is worthless.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


perhaps, have a read here, may help:
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/