File Encryption

[Guest]

I have a problem with encrypted files. I copied them to an external HDD
because I had to reformat the comuter. Now I can not copy them back or
decrypt them. Is there any way I can decrypt, recover, them? I am using XP
SP2.

Thank you.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Are you referring to the EFS encryption of XP Pro? In order to decrypt
those files, you have to backup the encryption key file. Without the
encryption key you can't get into those files.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply. Yes EFS for XP Pro. I can't Backup the key because I
had a system crash and needed to format. Only could get the data on Drive
D:. Is there any way I can recover them from the Backup location on an
external HDD.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Without the encryption key, I'm afraid, you can kiss your files goodbye.
That's how XP knows your password is valid.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Without the key, the data is as good as gone.
You need the key or access to the original profile and they can not be
recreated.

See the links near the bottom of this page to help prevent this type of data
loss in the future:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm

 

[Brian Komar [MVP]]

Thanks for your reply. Yes EFS for XP Pro. I can't Backup the key because I
had a system crash and needed to format. Only could get the data on Drive
D:. Is there any way I can recover them from the Backup location on an
external HDD.

Unless you have access to the EFS encryption private key, the files are lost. It sounds like
you wiped the hard disk, so you cannot use any of the available recovery tools to attempt a
recovery on the old profile.
Sorry...
Brian

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a problem with encrypted files. I copied them to an external HDD
because I had to reformat the comuter. Now I can not copy them back or
decrypt them. Is there any way I can decrypt, recover, them? I am using XP
SP2.

Thank you.

If the your encryption certificates and keys were not backed up
before the reinstallation, and the workstation isn't part of a domain
(whose Administrator might act as the designated recovery agent), those
files are gone, for all practical purposes. Encryption works well and
there is no "back door" or hack to access the files. (Wouldn't be much
point to EFS if it were easily by-passed.)


--

Bruce Chambers

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