Windows encrypted files?

[Vormulac]

Hi all,

I recently rebuilt my system (new motherboard, reformatted drive to NTFS
before reinstalling XP Pro), but I had forgotten that a large number of my
files were set to be 'encrypted'. Now of course, I can't access them!

This is quite important as that's quite a bit of data I've lost if it's
permanent.
Is there anyway to get these files back from 'encrypted' status?

Thanks.

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Are you sure it is not an Ownership issue:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q308421&

If the files are encrypted.
If you did not back-up the encryption key or the Recovery Agent and
are not on a domain, the files are as good as gone.
This must be accomplished while you have access to the files.

If you can restore the original profile (not recreate) you may be able
to recover the data.
Recreating profiles and passwords is irrelevant.
Contact Microsoft if you can restore the profile.
Or:
http://www.beginningtoseethelight.org/efsrecovery/index.php

EFS is very good at what it does and there is no back door.
Read and understand these links before using EFS to keep from
permanently losing your data:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/techinfo/administration/recovery/default.asp
(58 pages)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=223316

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
Please respond to newsgroup only for everyone's benefit.


"Vormulac" > wrote in message
. 133.134...
> Hi all,
>
> I recently rebuilt my system (new motherboard, reformatted drive to
NTFS
> before reinstalling XP Pro), but I had forgotten that a large number
of my
> files were set to be 'encrypted'. Now of course, I can't access
them!
>
> This is quite important as that's quite a bit of data I've lost if
it's
> permanent.
> Is there anyway to get these files back from 'encrypted' status?
>
> Thanks.

[Vormulac]

Balls. I didn't realise they were encrypted so I didn't back anything up :(

Sounds like I've lost it all.

Where would I find this encryption key for future reference?

Thank you for your help anyway.