Re: Problem with XP Encrypted Files

From: Miss Perspicacia Tick (misstick_at_lancre.dw)
Date: 07/27/04 

Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:11:04 +0100

Losj407 wrote:
> Hi all. I had used the built in XP encryption on all of my files in
> My Documents folder. I recently did a clean install on my PC, and I
> copied the My Documents folder to a different partition while I
> re-installed windows on my main partition. Of course I didn't
> de-crypt my files when I copied them over.

And nor could you.

  After I did my clean
> install, I copied my files back to my main partition in the My
> Documents folder. Now I can not view any of the files. They are all
> encrypted and I can't de-crypt them.

Yes, and that's the way they're gonna stay - otherwise what would be the
point of encryption?!

> Is there a way to decrypt them now?

Nope (unless you backed up the encryption key and, if you had, you wouldn't
be posting)

  I am using the same copy of XP I
> orginially installed. I did change my username & computer name with
> this fresh install. Would it work if I did another fresh install
> with my original computer name and username?

Nope. Windows generates a new (unique) key with each installation or repair
installation. Unless you pay a file recovery company you might as well have
formatted.