regain access to encrypted files

[Guest]

I had to do a ghost recovery of my windows XP pro to be able to restart my
computer without to reformat it. But I have files on a logical partition
that have been encrypted and I want to regain access to them, I'm able to see
those files but I'm unable to read or copy them.

Is there a way to regain access to those files or remove the encryption? My
OS is XP Pro, I use it at home and there's no server, it stand alone system.
thanks

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I had to do a ghost recovery of my windows XP pro to be able to
restart my computer without to reformat it. But I have files on a
logical partition that have been encrypted and I want to regain
access to them, I'm able to see those files but I'm unable to read or
copy them.

Is there a way to regain access to those files or remove the
encryption? My OS is XP Pro, I use it at home and there's no server,
it stand alone system. thanks

Did you backup your key?

Is there any hope? Maybe, doubtful, but MAYBE....

See if any of the advice from Carey Frisch in these forums helps any...

HOW TO: Remove File Encryption in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;308993

Without a backup of the original Encryption Certificate Key, encrypted files
are unrecoverable as they will stay encrypted forever. There is no recovery
method since the encryption algorithm is now completely different with a
reinstall of Windows XP.

See if the following articles help in any way:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

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

Encrypting File System in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...chnet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/CryptFS.asp

EFS Files Appear Corrupted When You Open Them
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;329741


As long as EFS is not involved:

How to Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

How to disable simplified sharing & set permissions
on a shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

 

[Rock]

I had to do a ghost recovery of my windows XP pro to be able to restart my
computer without to reformat it. But I have files on a logical partition
that have been encrypted and I want to regain access to them, I'm able to see
those files but I'm unable to read or copy them.

Is there a way to regain access to those files or remove the encryption? My
OS is XP Pro, I use it at home and there's no server, it stand alone system.
thanks

If it was a ghost image, ie an exact duplicate then you should be able
to. If you did a reinstall and did not designate a recovery agent and
backup the keys and certificate then no, the data is gone. No way
around EFS.