Pictures Encrypted

[Guest]

I have my computer set with 3 partitions. I used to have WinXP Pro, but I
lost my install CD. I had to reload my OS and I put WinXP Home back on my
main partition and kept all my other files in my other 2 partitions in tack.
I somehow encrypted my pictures folder with my old OS and now I can not look
at any of the pictures using the new OS. All I can do is view thumbnails.
Is there any possible way that I can get my pictures back. This sucks if I
can't, I have a lot of good memories from Korea on there. I appreciate
anyone that can help me.

 

[Guest]

You're essentially "locked" out of your pictures folder because with NTFS
(likely your filesystem) you have to assume ownership of the folder and its
contents. As far as your pictures folder knows, when you loaded XP a second
time it's an entire new person trying to gain access to your files.
To take ownership of your files, boot XP to safemode
(http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx )
Follow the directions here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 to take
ownership of your files

 

[Guest User]

You are then using NTFS as filesystem, you chose to encrypt your files but I
wonder if Microsoft had ever considered this sort of problem happening!

When you encrypt your files using Windows native system, it uses an
encryption key that is generated and kept somewhere in the PC or crypto API
vault based on the identity (user account). When you installed your new OS
you may have given the account exactly the same name but the encryption key
that you now have is different and therefore you cannot decrypt your files.

I strongly advise against using the native windows encryption mechanism for
files because if you move your encrypted files to another PC then good bye,
same if there is some failure in your os partition and you have to reinstall
but keep your data partition. So, my advise is, if you want to encrypt files
stay away from the Windows NTFS encryption mechanism and use some third
party software (and back up your keys!).

 

[Guest]

Is there any other way that I can retrieve my pictures. Trying to reassume
ownership of the files through the instructions below failed.

 

[Malke]

Is there any other way that I can retrieve my pictures. Trying to
reassume ownership of the files through the instructions below failed.

Why, what happens when you try? Remember that we can't see your computer
from here. If you did not use actual encryption (EFS) - and since you
have XP Home you did not unless you used a third-party program - it is
completely possible to get your pictures back.

However, we need to know why you are unable to take ownership of the
files, which is the way to do it. Please review the instructions at
*both* these links again:

Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421] -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

How Do I Get the Security tab in Folder Properties? -
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_security_tab.htm

Malke