Windows XP File Encryption

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kevin
  • Start date Start date
K

Kevin

I must say this is rather embarassing....

I copied an encrypted folder to another drive on my
computer (also NTFS) and then reinstalled Windows XP on
the source drive. Now I can't access the encrypted
folder!

Should I just accept my doom and quietly accept that I
will never again access those files? Or is there a
glimmer of hope somewhere out there?
 
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/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prod
technol/winxppro/deploy/CryptFS.asp

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

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I must say this is rather embarassing....
|
| I copied an encrypted folder to another drive on my
| computer (also NTFS) and then reinstalled Windows XP on
| the source drive. Now I can't access the encrypted
| folder!
|
| Should I just accept my doom and quietly accept that I
| will never again access those files? Or is there a
| glimmer of hope somewhere out there?
|
 
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