Help - Encrypted out of my own file !!

[fatman2.0]

Hi,
I have a very weird problem on my hand that I need some help with urgently.I use Win XP Pro and I used the in built encryption to encrypt a single text file without using any password (as it is not required by XP) Also my account was not password protected.The file was not on my system drive but on a seperate partition with absolutely no restrictions.

Later for some reason I had to format my system drive and reinstalled XP Pro. Now when I try to access this specific file, I get an access error warning and it just won't open or even convert to un-encrypted status. Is this because my account name has changed (although I still have administrator rights) or something else ? Is there a way around or any tool / software that can help me ? I am willing to try anything as this file is really vital and I am desperate !!

Please treat this as urgent as it really is !!

fatman2.0

[Lehk]

Hope it wasn't too important.... sorry man I have not heard any news of the WindowsXP NTFS file encryption being cracked,

[shawners]

may want to ask this question in a LINUX forum =) Since they have skillz.

[fatman2.0]

Hi,
Sorry, but this is not Linux related but someone in the windows forum suggested that I post this here 'cause generally Linux users have more skillz !! The original thread was regarding Windows XP NTFS file encryption and is as follows....

I use Win XP Pro and I used the in built encryption to encrypt a single text file without using any password (as it is not required by XP) Also my account was not password protected.The file was not on my system drive but on a seperate partition with absolutely no restrictions.

Later for some reason I had to format my system drive and reinstalled XP Pro. Now when I try to access this specific file, I get an access error warning and it just won't open or even convert to un-encrypted status. Is this because my account name has changed (although I still have administrator rights) or something else ? Is there a way around or any tool / software that can help me ? I am willing to try anything as this file is really vital and I am desperate !!

Please treat this as urgent as it really is !!

fatman2.0

P.S Sorry for the territorial encroachment one more time....

[cpugeniusmv]

i believe there is a way to create some sort of disk that would allow you to unencrypt files after the "original" user has been deleted (or windows uninstalled :) )

however, it's too late for that now...and unfortunately:

you're out of luck.

[cpugeniusmv]

as i answered in your other thread...

you're probably out of luck :(

[-0-BACKLASH-0-]

did u back this file up before wiping and are now trying to access it from a cd or floppy?

[mojo-ris-in]

I think he meant a linux programming forum because a lot of them are also skilled in answering windows questions. Although we do have some very talented people so maybe they'll be able to help. Unfortunately it may take some time so if time is your enemy you might consider what was suggested.

I'm going to go ahead and merge these 2 threads together so you can keep the answers all in one place. Good luck to you.

[Krell]

Is the file still on your OTHER drive? Move it to the C: drive, and try to take ownership of it.

If the data isnt sensitive, I would like for you to email it to me, check you PM please for an address.

[fatman2.0]

Hi,
I am accessing the file from another partition of my HD (I had only wiped my system partition and the rest of my HD partitions are still intact.)

I have already tried taking the file to my C: drive and take ownership of the file (after reading up all relevant documentation provided at the Microsoft website) but still nothing's changed. Also I read up all the documentation regarding recovery at the EFS website but frankly it was all Greek to me and I couldn't make head or tail out of it !!

fatman2.0

PS. Is there any hope out there......... ?