XP Encryption

[Guest]

Few months ago I encrypted my several files in D drive, by using XP default
encryption utility.
Few days ago I reinstalled XP ,by formatting C partition, as a result now I
can't access above encrypted files.I have not created any back up.
What can I do to have them back....?

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

Few months ago I encrypted my several files in D drive, by using XP
default
encryption utility.
Few days ago I reinstalled XP ,by formatting C partition, as a result now
I
can't access above encrypted files.I have not created any back up.
What can I do to have them back....?

Nothing. If you did not back up your encryption key etc they are gone for
good.

The Encrypting File System
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/topics/cryptographyetc/efs.mspx

Best practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316/en-us

How to back up the recovery agent Encrypting File System (EFS) private key
in Windows Server 2003,
in Windows 2000, and in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241201

 

[Rock]

Few months ago I encrypted my several files in D drive, by using XP
default
encryption utility.
Few days ago I reinstalled XP ,by formatting C partition, as a result now
I
can't access above encrypted files.I have not created any back up.
What can I do to have them back....?

You very likely won't be able to, unless you backed up the encryption key
and certificate, and created a recovery agent. The other poster gave you
some links for info on EFS in XP. Encryption is based on the account SID.
When XP was reinstalled and new SID is generated even if the account name is
the same. It is sometimes euphemistically called the delayed recycle bin,
because it is common to loose access to the files if you don't follow the
right practices.

Here is a link with some info about certain recovery steps. The success
depends on what you have to start with.
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/

 

[Guest]

If the original userprofiles are still there under "Documents and Settings"
then you might be able to get the key back. If not, your files are history.

I've been saying for a long time that MS outght to warn users more clearly
that encryption DOES _NOT_ USE YOUR PASSWORD as the key. Most peope assume it
does, with catastrophic results.

 

[Guest]

Thank U Rock.

You very likely won't be able to, unless you backed up the encryption key
and certificate, and created a recovery agent. The other poster gave you
some links for info on EFS in XP. Encryption is based on the account SID.
When XP was reinstalled and new SID is generated even if the account name is
the same. It is sometimes euphemistically called the delayed recycle bin,
because it is common to loose access to the files if you don't follow the
right practices.

Here is a link with some info about certain recovery steps. The success
depends on what you have to start with.
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/

 

[AJR]

Usually the "creator" of an encrypted file can access.
Verifying ownership may be of value

 

[Rock]

You're welcome. Good luck.

Thank U Rock.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Few months ago I encrypted my several files in D drive, by using XP default
encryption utility.
Few days ago I reinstalled XP ,by formatting C partition, as a result now I
can't access above encrypted files.I have not created any back up.
What can I do to have them back....?

If the your encryption certificates and keys were not backed up
before the reinstallation, and the workstation isn't part of a domain
(whose Administrator might act as the designated recovery agent), those
files are gone, for all practical purposes. Encryption works well and
there is no "back door" or hack to access the files. (Wouldn't be much
point to EFS if it were easily by-passed.)


--

Bruce Chambers

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