encrypted file deletion

[dr_hawkins]

Is there any way to delete EFS (Windows XP) encrypted file? I tried few "secure delete" software, but with no result (acess denied).

[Mikep7779]

Does it allow you to move the file?

[nolookingca]

EFS is like that. If you do not have the right permissions to access the file (a new profile/account would do that to you), all operations are pretty much "locked" (except formatting the entire drive, of course).

[dr_hawkins]

no operation allowed at all

Is the problem in windows or NTFS? (thinking of some DOS utility)

...formatting is quite a bit uncomfortable

[Fencer128]

no operation allowed at all

Is the problem in windows or NTFS? (thinking of some DOS utility)

...formatting is quite a bit uncomfortable

Hi,

I imagine this is an NTFS permissions issue. Can you log on with a privilege level (usually local admin will suffice) that will let you take ownership of the file and delete it?

It appears as if your account currently does not have permission to delete the file.

Regards,

Andrew

[dr_hawkins]

something else just came into my mind - those files can be opened in Advanced EFS Data Recovery AEFSDR. It finds "masterkeys" of that user (=myself, but in another and impossible to boot XP instance), isnt it possible to use these somehow? (make a "security certificate" - or what...)

[dr_hawkins]

well, I am a bit ashamed, but...files are gone. I have no idea why they disappeared - I just tried to log in as administrator and done nothing - they weren't there already, however, thanks very much for all your replies. Just one more question: something's weird - is it me, or the computer??

[nolookingca]

Just one more question: something's weird - is it me, or the computer??

lol. Blame Microsoft.

Edited November 23, 2005 by nolookingca