HELP!!! Can't open an encrypted file.

[Charlie]

I have reinstalled the WinXp Pro in PC since the previous
was crashed. Fact is that some of the files in the
previous system were encrypted. Now I can't read them,
even I use same user name and password to login. Each
time I got the meassage "Access was denied" while I was
trying to open the file. I know I have to decrypt those
file by use same account who create the encrypt files.
However, I can't fix it up. Could any one tell me how to
fix this problem? or let me know if you know any way I
can restore the original account information?

Thank you!

Charlie /[email protected]

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Charlie;
The encrypted files are probably as good as gone.
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/Encrypt.htm

 

[Rajiv Sharma]

Login as Administrator->Right click the properties of the File and go to
Security Tab
Advanced->Ownership->change ownership to Current administrator.
and click ok->ok.
and now you will be able to access those files.
Rajiv

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

That will only work if it is a Privacy issue.
If the files are encrypted, the original keys are needed.
The keys can not be recreated after the fact.
This is part of what makes EFS secure...and dangerous if proper
precautions are not taken.

 

[billW1701]

-----Original Message-----
That will only work if it is a Privacy issue.
If the files are encrypted, the original keys are needed.
The keys can not be recreated after the fact.
This is part of what makes EFS secure...and dangerous if proper
precautions are not taken.

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


the File and
go to

And what are those proper precautions? I was thinking of
using EFS to encrypt some files but what can I do to
insure that I will be able to decrypt them?

 

[Torgeir Bakken (MVP)]

And what are those proper precautions? I was thinking of
using EFS to encrypt some files but what can I do to
insure that I will be able to decrypt them?

Hi

From a previous posting of mine:

Read and understand the information in the links below before you start using
Encrypting File System (EFS), or you will very likely loose your files one
time in the future:

Best Practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;223316

Encrypting File System in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/CryptFS.asp

(58 pages, will also tell the differences between Win2k and WinXP regarding
EFS)

also gives information/links on to how to export keys, e.g.

"Data Recovery on Standalone Machines"

Under "Knowledge Base Articles on EFS" you will find e.g.

241201 How to Back Up Your Encrypting File System Private Key
259732 EFS Recovery Agent Cannot Export Private Keys
255742 Methods for Recovering Encrypted Data Files


Reading 255742, will give you this as well:

241201 HOW TO: Back Up Your Encrypting File System Private Key in Windows 2000

242296 How to Restore an EFS Private Key for Encrypted Data Recovery


If your computer is not a member of an AD domain, this part of the document is
obligatory reading:

"Using EFS with Standalone Machines or NT 4.0 Domains"

 

[Dan Rubinsky]

Hello Charlie:
Your problem is my problem. On Nov 30th I wrote a SOS mail
to the group on this matter. You can see the answers
received on that date. If I have an aswer to my help I'll
transmit it to you. Hope you can do the same. BTW... I'm
not using since then this EFS of windows.... only
problems.... I prefer using Encrypted Magic folders and
another encryption software... If Microsoft can explain
this mess appropiately It will be nice.... Messege is:
BackUps and more Backups....
Good luck

Dan