NTFS encryption

[drobb]

Does anyone know how i can unencrypt some files i have on
an ntfs drive that are encrypted? i fogot that they were
encrypted and had to kill the user account that did the
encrypting and now can not unencrypt them. btw i have
service pack 1 if that is of any use.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

If you don't have the encryption certificate backed up, they are gone.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Are you sure it is not an Ownership issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

If the files are encrypted.
If you did not back-up the encryption key or the Recovery Agent and
are not on a domain, the files are as good as gone.
This must be accomplished while you have access to the files.
If you have not already done so, it is now to late.

If you can restore the original profile (not recreate) you may be able
to recover the data.
Recreating profiles and passwords is irrelevant.
Contact Microsoft if you can restore the profile.
Or:
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/index.php

EFS is very good at what it does and there is no back door.
Read and understand these links before using EFS to keep from
permanently losing your data:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/techinfo/administration/recovery/default.asp
(58 pages)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=223316