Question

How To Decrypt Files without EFS Certificate

Asked by: JohnnyR2D2

Hello,

Before reinstalling the system I've backup files, including documents, pictures, financial files (such as PDFs, programming files, etc.), resumes, Microsoft Outlook email and calendar backups (.pst files), etc., and put them in another hard drive. 99% of the files were unencrypted, but one folder only, the Financial one were encrypted with the Microsoft Encrypting File System (where files turn green when they are encrypted). Unfortunately, I failed to remember to decrypt them before I reformatted, which denied me access to them because of the nature of the encryption system and the loss of a user profile. After backing up the files, I went through the process of reformatting and trying to re-install Windows. However, after I did that, when I tried to open, or even move, the encrypted files, it told me that access was denied. I realized that I need the previous Profile with the EFS certificate to access that folder.

I've tried GetDataBack to try to recover the old partition, bought and tried Advanced EFS Data Recovery without success. I'm pretty sure that I have the password but  Advanced EFS Data Recovery can't decrypt the files or maybe I'm doing  something wrong with that software.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

JohnnyR2D2

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Asked On
2009-08-08 at 15:19:04ID24637461
Tags

Decrypt

,

EFS

Topics

Windows Network Security

,

Microsoft Operating Systems

,

Microsoft Windows Operating Systems

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
5

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Answers

 

by: ComputerTechiePosted on 2009-08-08 at 18:46:09ID: 25052415

 

by: pankusareenPosted on 2009-08-08 at 18:52:07ID: 25052427

 

by: JohnnyR2D2Posted on 2009-08-08 at 21:48:32ID: 25052901

Thanks guys, but if I understood correctly there is no way to decrypt those files :-(

"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."
"If all the above fail, time may be your only other ally.  EFS is very good and can not be broken today.  However you can put the drive away and wait.  It may be days, years or longer, but eventually the current EFS will be broken.  By then Windows will most likely use a far superior encryption technique.
EFS is very good at what it does and there is no back door."

Unless someone comes with a new solution in the next few days I will ACCEPT MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS"






 

by: JohnnyR2D2Posted on 2009-08-30 at 17:50:53ID: 25220054

Agreed

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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