Encrypted files

[Michael]

I built a new system. I put in a new HD and installed XP
Pro. I put my old HD in as my second HD so I would have
access to old data, files, photos, etc.
I cannot remember the password and login I used and so
cannot access many of my "protected files". And, being
an entirely new system with all new MB, Video, etc. I
cannot boot to the old drive. Of course, I already sold
my old system.
Any hope?
Please help.

 

[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 built a new system. I put in a new HD and installed XP
| Pro. I put my old HD in as my second HD so I would have
| access to old data, files, photos, etc.
| I cannot remember the password and login I used and so
| cannot access many of my "protected files". And, being
| an entirely new system with all new MB, Video, etc. I
| cannot boot to the old drive. Of course, I already sold
| my old system.
| Any hope?
| Please help.

 

[Roger Abell]

Why did you use the word "encrypted" in then subject ?
IOW, are you sure it is an EFS issue rather than just an
NTFS permissions issue that is curable by taking ownership?

If it truely is an EFS issue, then you will need to decide how
valuable the encrypted data is to you. Since you do have the
old system (its intact image at least) you may be able to get
to the files either through hours of effort or a pile of money.
The biggest problem from what you have said is that you do
not recall the password of the old encrypting account.
Your alternatives, assuming the forgotten password can be
resolved, are 1) to call MS for paid support or use one of the
third party providers, or, 2) take a full backup of the old system
and then try to do a repair/upgrade install of it (this will get
the drivers all realigned to the new hardware) followed by
complete update of service releases to the same level as the
old system had been, or 3) try adapting a recovery based on
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/index.php