Cannot access EFS / DID NOT reformat, delete cert, etc.

right-click one of the efs files - properties - advanced
- details. who is listed in the users and what are their
thumbprints? then browse to c:\documents and
settings\%username%\application
data\microsoft\systemcertificates\my\certificates\ where
%username% equals the users listed - are there any files in
that directory and do the respective thumbprints match with
the any file names? (view all files, if folders not visiable)

you say you have install zero software - do you have
_updated_ antivirus software - do you get automatic updates
from microsoft? is your computer upto date with security
patches? have you experienced any other errors recently -
system freezes, lost any files? run a scandisk on the
partition? do anyother users use the computer? if yes, have
you questioned them as to the problem? checked eventlog? -
any efs errors? have you logged out after installing media
player 9 and logged back in and had efs access before the
errors?


-----Original Message-----
I've spend all day researching and trying different
things, but still no success.

I have multiple accounts on a Windows XP PRO machine (1
admin, 1 power user, 1 user). I often switch between the
accounts. About 3 days ago after I logged out, I lost all
access to my encrypted files on a partition.

I didn't delete any certs, reformat, install new software
(other than media 9 a few days ago), or do ANYTHING out of
the ordinary.

The only other odd thing that happened at the same time is
that I lost my 'Quick Launch' toolbar, and attempts to
reactivate it return a 'Cannot create toolbar' error.

I've checked file permissions (they're the same as
before), tried taking control with the admin accounts,
tried unencrypting, etc...nothing.

Please assist.
.