Unable to access encrypted files after re-installing Windows XP

[Partha Sarkar]

I had two partitions in the hard disk, drive C: for OS
(Windows XP Professional) and drive D: for the data files.
The files in the drive Dit was NTFS file system) was
encrypted. Due to some problem (virus related, and the
system became unstable) I had to format the drive C: and
re-installed OS (Windows XP). The files system for drive
C: is NTFS. But after re-installing OS I'm unable to
access my old files which were encrypted in drive D:, even
though I'm the system administrator. I can't view or copy
those files to some other directories. Please help me.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

If you really mean they were encrypted, then recovery REQUIRES the original
encryption certificate or a recovery agent made within the original
installation. There is no back door to this, if there were it would not be
very good encryption. Without one of those, those files are lost to you (and
anyone else). You would have had to export the cert or create the agent
before formatting.

If you simply mean that you get an "access denied" error, then it may simply
be a matter of taking ownership of them. This is a fairly easy function and
is described in detail here:

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

In the future, should you have an installation problem that requires a
reinstallation, do a repair install instead. A repair installation would
have preserved your access to the encrypted files. Details:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Alex Nichol]

I had two partitions in the hard disk, drive C: for OS
(Windows XP Professional) and drive D: for the data files.
The files in the drive Dit was NTFS file system) was
encrypted. Due to some problem (virus related, and the
system became unstable) I had to format the drive C: and
re-installed OS (Windows XP).

Unless you backed up the encryption certificates off the machine so you
can reinstate them, those files are utterly irretrievable. That
encryption is *strong*

 

[NobodyMan]

I had two partitions in the hard disk, drive C: for OS
(Windows XP Professional) and drive D: for the data files.
The files in the drive Dit was NTFS file system) was
encrypted. Due to some problem (virus related, and the
system became unstable) I had to format the drive C: and
re-installed OS (Windows XP). The files system for drive
C: is NTFS. But after re-installing OS I'm unable to
access my old files which were encrypted in drive D:, even
though I'm the system administrator. I can't view or copy
those files to some other directories. Please help me.

You sure can get those encrypted files back if:

1. You have a good friend at NSA and
2. They have access to a few supercomputers and
3. You don't mind waiting a while for said supercomputers to crack
the encryption.

Use encryption with care, and make sure to make copies of the security
certificates - AND STORE THEM OFF SITE!!!!

To this day I don't understand why the ordinary home user encrypts
files - I mean who keeps TS/SCI info on their computer requiring
128-bit encryption to keep out the nosy neighbors? What is a hacker
going to get from you, your nudie vids you downloaded?

 

[Alex Nichol]

To this day I don't understand why the ordinary home user encrypts
files - I mean who keeps TS/SCI info on their computer requiring
128-bit encryption to keep out the nosy neighbors? What is a hacker
going to get from you, your nudie vids you downloaded?

Especially when the encryption, *if* the certificates are around, is
totally transparent to the user owning the files, and is therefore no
more secure than his logon, and hence his password. Or any
Administrator's logon that could change the password. which makes a
mockery of this level of encryption
..

 

[Michael Led]

Especially when the encryption, *if* the certificates are around, is
totally transparent to the user owning the files, and is therefore no
more secure than his logon, and hence his password. Or any
Administrator's logon that could change the password. which makes a
mockery of this level of encryption
.

Try to use not microsoft encryption programs to encrypt your files.
like Advanced Encryption Package 2004 Pro
(http://www.secureaction.com/encryption_pro/)