File Encryption in Windows XP Pro SP2

[sgurnani]

Please view this site while viewing my email as I am having a problem; unable to access files encrypted by Windows XP Professional.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308993
How To Remove File Encryption in Windows XP



I am currently using Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2 and I had recently upgraded my comp. Before installing the newer version of Windows XP and updating my computer, I had backed up everything on my external USB hard drive. I had also added encryption on my work documents & images folder via Windows XP Pro Serv Pack 1. Now once I have my new computer setup; I am unable to access these important files and cannot move or copy them. In the above link, it mentions that you can uncheck the 'encrypt data' checkbox and click apply ok and ok. But after doing the same, once you go back to properties of the folder the 'encrypt data' checkbox shows a checkmark again.Also it shows an error accessing the files in the folder. Once your on properties of the folder, you can click on details next to the encrypt data checkbox. There it asks you an option to add user to access encrypted data but there is only one user on my comp. Also there is a certificate number next to the name of the user i.e. myself. Even if I have the same name now I am still unable to access the file. What is this certificate number? It shows my name & computer name next to that there is a certificate number as the list of authorized users. How do I find my current certificate number?


Please help me resolve this problem and regain access to my important files. Is there any third party software you know that could help me regain access? Or any other troubleshooting you suggest that can help me regain my files. It's 10GB worth of files!


Please let me know

[Liggy]

sounds like your permissions aren't set correctly, when your right click on a file, properties, then select security tab, how many users are listed there? there should be a few. I believe admin and sys should have full control

[it_waaznt_me]

^^ As Liggy already pointed out, right click on the folder that contains your backed up files and click on Security tab. If Security tab is not displayed, in windows explorer, Tools > Folder Options , Uncheck the option that says "Use simple file sharing" .
Now when Security tab is visible, Add yourself to the users that have Full Control access on the folder.

[sgurnani]

Thanks for your input. I tried doing that & unfortunately I'm the only available user. There's a checkbox in that windows that says 'Find Users' apparently that is greyed out.

I even went to Tools > Folder Options , Uncheck the option that says "Use simple file sharing" Did that I still don't have access.

If I add a couple users and then remove them will I be able to access it then? Also, do you know how to remove the windows login page and go directly to desktop?

Thanks a ton, pls help!

[it_waaznt_me]

Sigh .. You made a lazy guy like me post this screeny .. ..



For logging on directly to Windows without going to windows Login screen try this :

Start > Run > Control Userpasswords2 {Press Enter}

Uncheck the option that says Users must enter a username and password to use this computer.
When you click on Apply, Windows will ask you to put in the username and password of the account that you want to login by default when you boot your system ..

Gah ... I am sleepy ..

[sgurnani]

Thank you for your input and the screenshot. I added Adminstrator,
myself and Everyone with Full Rights even then I'm not able to access
my files. In the same window there when u click on 'Advanced' for
'special permissions'. You get an option to add,edit or remove users.
All users are listed and even the new certificate number is listed as
anonymous user.

This encryption is really strange I see all the files
and the filenames, filesize everything but cannot open any file.I read a
little bit about Certificates and it had mentioned that I cud back up my
certificate on a disc so as to recover it if the user has been deleted by
error or one has to reinstall Windows or in my case upgrade to a new comp.
Since I just discovered that it's a little late!Logged in as Admin (assumed
I'm on a NTFS directory structure I cannot access any of my files even after
adding myself as full rights(as mentioned earlier).

There was another option that didn't work of 'Taking Ownership of Files'
login:admin
go to advanced of encrypted folder
view the owner tab & chk the 'replace owner on subcontainers box' to change
subfolders as well.
Add privileges

I think I've tried almost all possibilities.But I can't give up these
are important files.Next time it's better to burn 'em to DVD. Was a silly
mistake to use this Windows Encryption feature.



Please please help me...

[Liggy]

you may need to add ' owner ' or ' user ' to the list as well. can you go to regedit? right click on HKLM select permissions, who is listed there, make sure administrator is there and has full control. now click on advanced button, select owner tab "current owner of this item" should say administrator, if not highlight it from the list put a check in checkbox below "replace owner on sub..." then click apply then click okay. .Now make sure system has full control as well , Everyone should be listed there also but may not have full control, that is okay. if you have changed permissions in regedit, the computer will need to be rebooted for changes to take effect. try to see if files are still encrypted.