Encryption Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter David
  • Start date Start date
D

David

I have a problem with a folder I encrypted. I don't know
why, but now I cant have acess to the datas that are
inside (school works, CV and important things).

My HDD is divided in 4 parts

C: Windows
D: Programs / Games
E: My documents
F: Backup Partition

I have a ghost of my OS that I can restore at anytime if
I get a virus or for some reason my windows start to act
weird.

I encrypted my datas last month and then I made a fresh
image of my "C Partition" and I had to restore it this
afternon. (Im not sure if I made it before since it was a
while ago.) When I got back on Windows I tried to have
acess to my datas (on E:) but for some reason now I use
anything, like if I didn't have the apropriates rights. I
tried to decrypt my datas but I cant it says Im not
authorized to.

Could someone help me to recover my datas ? It's every
impotant I need them. I have a backup of them but they
are encrypted too...

Thx,
 
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 article helps 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


--
Nicholas

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


| I have a problem with a folder I encrypted. I don't know
| why, but now I cant have acess to the datas that are
| inside (school works, CV and important things).
|
| My HDD is divided in 4 parts
|
| C: Windows
| D: Programs / Games
| E: My documents
| F: Backup Partition
|
| I have a ghost of my OS that I can restore at anytime if
| I get a virus or for some reason my windows start to act
| weird.
|
| I encrypted my datas last month and then I made a fresh
| image of my "C Partition" and I had to restore it this
| afternon. (Im not sure if I made it before since it was a
| while ago.) When I got back on Windows I tried to have
| acess to my datas (on E:) but for some reason now I use
| anything, like if I didn't have the apropriates rights. I
| tried to decrypt my datas but I cant it says Im not
| authorized to.
|
| Could someone help me to recover my datas ? It's every
| impotant I need them. I have a backup of them but they
| are encrypted too...
|
| Thx,
 
You said
I encrypted my datas last month and then I made a fresh
image of my "C Partition" and I had to restore it this
Click to expand...
if that is so, try setting the password of the account back
to what it was then, if it is now different
but you also said
afternon. (Im not sure if I made it before since it was a
while ago.) When I got back on Windows I tried to have
Click to expand...
"made it before" what ?
If before you started to use EFS encrypting then you
are sunk unless you can go back to an image of yesterday's
system or use any of the normal EFS recovery options (all
of which you would know what they are as you have to
prepare for recovery by doing things beforehand).
 
David;
If the image on the drive is not the one used to encrypt the data, the
data is gone.
You need access to the keys used to encrypt the data.
The keys can not be duplicated after the fact.

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
 
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