File Encryption

[Guest]

I had my machine sent off for service due to a hard drive error. I got it back today and everything works fine. Except one thing. Before I had it sent off, all of my personal files were encrypted using the tool in XP Pro. Since C: Drive was wiped clean, I lost the account on which I had performed the encryption. Now I cannot access any of my photos, music, etc. I tried just going into properties and deselecting encryption, but it didn't work. Any idea how to gain access to my files? Please help. Thanks in advance.

Don M.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Don;
You can check some of the options including Microsoft.
But, without the original keys (recreated is not good enough) the data
for all practical purposes is gone for good.
Even the decryption tools need the keys.

See this link:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/

I tried the solutions below, but AEFSDR does not work. It scans my

system and finds 49,815 "not-decryptable" files, and 10 or so keys,
one being a primary. I also called the Microsoft support line and they
told me it was a pro level problem and I would need to pay $249.00.
I'm gonna wait a lil' before I do that. Any other ideas? And one quick
question, is AEFSDR shareware? Because I just clicked on "download"
and not "buy." Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

Don M.

"Exporting and Importing EFS and DRA Certificates and Private Keys"

"As added protection in the event that a user's certificate or

private key is damaged or lost, certificates and private keys can be
exported. The certificate is stored in a file with a .cer extension,
and the certificate and private key are stored in a password-protected
file with a .pfx extension. These archive files can be stored on a
floppy disk or other medium, and can be imported easily from these
files."

 

[Guest]

So let me get this straight. I was just forced into reinstalling XP. Now, I no longer have access to the encrypted files (obviously). I NEED to access the files. They are VERY important, which is why they were encrypted in the first place. They are irreplaceable. The physical hard drive is intact, aside from reinstalling xp. So, where exactly are these keys stored? As long as reinstalling doesn't overwrite the keys, shouldn't I be able to restore them

 

[JW]

Problem is overwriting your hard disk Does overwrite the encryption keys.
Did you backup the encryption keys ? Did you make routine backups of your
hard disk ?
If the data is Very Important, and Irreplaceable, why are there no backups
of the hard disk ?
Did you read any instructions in any books or online Help on precautions
required for using encryption ?
Sometimes in life you have to read the instructions, or risk shooting
yourself in the foot.


So let me get this straight. I was just forced into reinstalling XP. Now,
I no longer have access to the encrypted files (obviously). I NEED to
access the files. They are VERY important, which is why they were encrypted
in the first place. They are irreplaceable. The physical hard drive is
intact, aside from reinstalling xp. So, where exactly are these keys
stored? As long as reinstalling doesn't overwrite the keys, shouldn't I be
able to restore them?

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

So let me get this straight. I was just forced into reinstalling XP.
Now, I no longer have access to the encrypted files (obviously).
I NEED to access the files. They are VERY important, which is why
they were encrypted in the first place. They are irreplaceable.
The physical hard drive is intact, aside from reinstalling xp.
So, where exactly are these keys stored?

Hi


If you have access to the user profile folders on the old install for
the user that encrypted the files and if you remember the password for
the user that encrypted the data, you might be able to save the files.
Take a look at this site for more details:

http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/