How to decrypt files that has EFS encryption

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chikatilo
  • Start date Start date
C

Chikatilo

Hello. On my previous Windows XP installation I had a folder (on another
partition) with the 'hidden' attribute and all files within the folder was
also hidden. For several reasons I had to reinstall WinXP (while keeping the
files on the second partition). Now my problem was that I could not access
this specific folder. I resolved this by following the instructions on this
page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Now I can see the files in the folder, but I cannot open or copy them! If I
try to uncheck the box "Encrypt contents to secure data" in Properties
(General - Advanced) of the files I only get the message "An error occurred
applying attributes to the file ... Access is denied."

I never encrypted the files in the first place (I only gave them the
'hidden' attribute). How can I make the files work again? I tried to read a
little about EFS and from what I understand it seems like I'm in deep shit.
But there must be a workaround. There always is a workaround!

Can anybody help?

Ch.
 
If, in fact, the folder has been encrypted (the O/S does not just do this
arbitrarily) you WILL need the key to decrypt the files to see/use them.

Sorry! No work around.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard :-)

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
 
Are the files green?
If so they are encrypted and someone had to deliberately encrypt the data.
You will need the original keys to decrypt the data:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm
If it is an Ownership issue, step 1 on that link will help.
But if the files are encrypted (green), your data is most likely gone for
good for all practical purposes.
 
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