How did this happen? XP install encrypted my files. How do I decrypt?

[Jeff Lawrie]

I did a clean install of XP Pro. Prior to that I moved some
folders/files to a 2nd hard drive in my PC. One folder in this set of
folders was "protected" by a program called Magic Folders which gave
me the ability to hide that folder from other users of the PC.

After XP install, that particular folder's files are all green
(encrypted, right?) This Magic Folders program must have encrypted
them somehow.

I know nothing about encryption/decryption, but am extremely anxious
to recover these files. Can someone give me step by step instructions
or point me to a how-to?

Thanks,

jl

 

[Guest]

I found a page describing the software you are talking about

To get into the files, you need the password that you used to encrpt them in the first place

http://www.pc-magic.com/des.htm

 

[Malke]

I did a clean install of XP Pro. Prior to that I moved some
folders/files to a 2nd hard drive in my PC. One folder in this set of
folders was "protected" by a program called Magic Folders which gave
me the ability to hide that folder from other users of the PC.

After XP install, that particular folder's files are all green
(encrypted, right?) This Magic Folders program must have encrypted
them somehow.

I know nothing about encryption/decryption, but am extremely anxious
to recover these files. Can someone give me step by step instructions
or point me to a how-to?

Magic Folders is not part of Windows XP - it seems to be third-party
shareware. You should contact the makers of Magic Folders for help with
their software. If this were just a regular folder you made in Windows
and were having trouble getting the data, I'd suggest taking ownership
of the folder/files (see XP's Help & Support for "taking ownership").
But if you did something extra to the folder with another program,
Magic Folders, this isn't an operating system issue and you'll need to
check with the Magic Folders tech support people about what might have
happened.

Good luck,

Malke

 

[Jeff Lawrie]

It's been a while since this original post

Have you ever heard of any way of getting encrypted files back if the
key wasn't saved? Any programs or file recovery out there?

I've tried many things, but no luck.

Where would the encryption key have resided on my old (before clean
install) hard drive. I saved many files/folders. It may be there
without me knowing it. What form is the key in? What extension does
it have? *.?

Is there anyone I could call and have them walk me thru everything's
that possible to recover these files.

Thanks in advance for your help.

jl

 

[Richard Urban]

In the intervening amount of time since your first post, you have gotten
with the people who make "Magic Folders" - correct? Do what they tell you.
Maybe there IS no hope for you!

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

 

[CS]

On 17 Apr 2004 22:09:41 -0700, (e-mail address removed) (Jeff Lawrie)
wrote:

Did you contact the makers of Magic Folders as was suggested by Malke
to you in her reply?

When a key or certificate to decrypt files is lost, it's almost
impossible using normal recovery means to get those files back. I'm
sure the NSA or CIA could do it, but normally those files are gone
forever.

You asked what form the key is in... Since you didn't use XP
encryption, it would be whatever form the key was stored in by the
Magic Folders program. So again the advice to you is to contact the
makers of Magic Folders and ask them the questions you've posed here.
Sorry I can't be of more help.