Re: how to recover encrypted files due to a system crash

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Patrick Keenan wrote:
"OM" <om@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:%230%23AeoXqIHA.4476@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi,

My XP machine crashed and it was not bootable. I installed a new hard drive and reloaded the OS and all the applications. I managed to recover the files using a file recovery utility. However, I am unable to look at the files that were stored in a encrypted folder using EFS. The new OS can see the files and recognize the file formats. But when I opened them with their own applications, it showed all scramble.

Can anyone advice what I can do to fix this problem?

Thanks

The solution is simple and straightforward, but unfortunately it isn't normally available to those who ask your question.

The main solution is to import the account certificates that XP didn't require you to export when you first invoked encryption. XP probably didn't even mention that not doing so could have severe consequences.

The alternative solution is to use the Recovery Agent system that didn't have to be specified either.

Otherwise, there is no solution. The data is gone forever. Wave goodbye and move on.

Microsoft did a really good job of making strong encryption easily available to average users.

They didn't do anywhere near as good a job at making sure average users were protected from or even aware of its implications and the shortcomings of their model.

Sorry there isn't better news.

-pk



I still can the file system. Can you retrieve the user certificate/public key without using the export wizard.

Thanks
.

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