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Lost password for a windows 7 professional machine with the hard drive encrypted with Symantec

I have a user who can not remember his Windows 7 pro password and the drive is encrypted with "Symantec Encryption Desktop" so I can not run any of the usually cd/usb based utilities. It is a stand alone machine on a work group. I have tried changing it via "net use" command but the changes don't take.

comfortjeanius

Do yo have the ISO for the Symantec Encryption Desktop software?

See if this could shade some light on the situation, "Drive Encryption Diagnosis and Recovery

TechDept

ASKER

I do not.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

McKnife

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Steve

unless you have the unencryption/recovery disk and/or encryption password from your encryption software you are facing a re-format.
The whole point of encrypting an HDD is to prevent what you are trying to do so you'll struggle to get past it by unauthorised methods.

TechDept

ASKER

I have the encryption password. It does prompt for it at startup and I can enter it and get passed it. It appears to boot up ok.

McKnife

Uh yes... so what are you waiting for? I gave you instructions on what to do :) Hook the drive to another system that runs Symantec encr. desktop or, an even nicer way without taking out the drive: use win8 to go to decrypt it.

Steve

Ah. If you have the password youll be fine if you get the recovery boot disk for the encryption software.
If u are using 3rd party tools to solve the password issue youll have to decrypt the drive before using them.
If youre usig tools approved by the encryption software provider you may be able to run it from their recovery boot disk.

LeeTutor

I've requested that this question be deleted for the following reason:

Not enough information to confirm an answer.

McKnife

As we use the same software, I'm sure https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28486415/Lost-password-for-a-windows-7-professional-machine-with-the-hard-drive-encrypted-with-Symantec.html?anchorAnswerId=40227796#a40227796 solved it.