Can't access files (related to EFS)!

[bowelripper]

Hello. On my previous Windows XP installation I had a folder (on another

partition) with the 'hidden' attribute and all files within the folder was

also hidden. For several reasons I had to reinstall WinXP (while keeping the

files on the second partition). Now my problem was that I could not access

this specific folder. I resolved this by following the instructions on this

page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881

Now I can see the files in the folder, but I cannot open or copy them! If I

try to uncheck the box "Encrypt contents to secure data" in Properties

(General - Advanced) of the files I only get the message "An error occurred

applying attributes to the file ... Access is denied."

I never encrypted the files in the first place (I only gave them the

'hidden' attribute). How can I make the files work again? I tried to read a

little about EFS (Encrypting File System) and from what I understand

it seems like I'm in deep s***. But there must be a workaround.

There always is a workaround!

Can anybody help?

B.R.

[N1K]

Encrypted files can only be decrypted by it's owner (encryptor) or a recovery agent..

That means that ur suspicions is right, unfortunatelly you will not be able to decrypt those files since every user account (object) has it's SID and it is unique so it isn't matter if you are admin or the user with the same name or permissions, the files cannot be decrypted...

[bowelripper]

So you're saying that there exists no program that can crack (or whatever you want to call it) the encryption? I mean, people crack all kinds of programs and hack into government servers and everything, but EFS is rock solid and impossible to decrypt? It kind of sounds like bulls*** to me, but then again I don't know everything about this system.

And all I did was setting the hidden attribute to the folder and files. How could I know they became encrypted then? What if these files were some very important files? Luckily, they were not in my case. It would be nice to get them back, but my life won't be ruined if I don't. At least I've learnt something from this experience ...

B.R.

[N1K]

Sorry, I don't know how but I thought that this files were encrypted...

[bowelripper]

I think you are right about the files obviously being encrypted. Exactly how they became so, I don't know. I did not do it intentionally, at least.

Thanks for answering anyway (sorry if I sounded a bit rude in the last post).

B.R.

[matrix0978]

Yeah im not really sure if they can be encrypted back to normal. there might be a tweak on this but youll have to ask

[Vietfobster]

control panel>folder options>view>put a check on "show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color"

go to the files u cant access. if its normal color, its not encrypted. if its green, ur pretty much screwed

i had the same problem...but now i know my lesson. NEVER TRUST ANYTHING GREEN! whether its computer related or its vegetables, never trust it!! lol

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=33246&hl=

heres an example of wut an encrypted file looks like.

[bowelripper]

I'm afraid those files have a green color. I guess there's no hope left. I still can't believe there's no solution to this, but as I said earlier those files weren't of any big importance to me anyway, so I guess there's no point in spending more time on this issue.

Well, thanks for your time!

By the way, I've tried both the programs Advanced EFS Data Recovery and EFS Key - without any luck.

[matrix0978]

Sorry we couldnt be of much help