Decrypt XP Files

hi guys,

I am stuck, I encrypted some files (very imp) in Windows XP. Later due

to some reasons, I reinstalled the OS (Windows XP) ,a complete fresh

install. Now the problem is XP does not allow me access these files -

says access is denied - even though I am logged in as administrator. I

have already tried taking ownership, but yet no sucess. I understand,

this that XP understands I am not the owner (its some aplha-numeric

owner (previous it was administrator) - which got delete during

reinstall).

now, How do i decrypt these files or take ownership - I just need these

files. Pls help me.

You should be able to decrypt it using the administrator's recovery key from the *old* installation...not sure how to get that though :S

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/docs/_Toc455391624

Does this help at all?

404

Damn it, that's the link that MS gave me :rolleyes:

Ok, here's the file direct, if you can access it: http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/docs/encrypt.doc

Thanks for the link I will just go through and post back.
Thanks once more.

thanks parksie, but frankly speaking that thing went over my head. What I gather from the file is that a user encrypted file can be decrypted by the admin(but I have already formatted and reinstall the damn OS itself - hence I doubt whether the admin can get access). The file alk sabout Data recovery Agents and grop policy editor - though When I try to add an Agent, There are none in the list nor any option of adding admin as one.

Well, Perphaps I am nuts...in this regard. Would be able to find time and go through the doc and let me in more simpler terms, what steps are to be taken.

Thanks a lot.

It went over mine as well ;)

So far, I use PGP to encrypt my files because I know *exactly* where the key is (in two files, public and private keyrings), and it's not being entrusted to a system made by MS :)

As far as extracting the data goes, it doesn't look likely :S

Well, thanks for the effort. I guess I will have to shell out some bucks:(

According to "Hacking Windows 2000 Exposed" MS's EFS can be cracked, if you want to go that route.

Any form of encryption can be cracked with sufficient time and computing power.

Quote:

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Originally posted by mr. vb
You need the recovery key or the user certificate (with which the files were encrypted) from your old Win XP installation to decrypt files -- doesn't matter if you are an administrator.

What I would do now, if I were you, is export your recovery key to a floppy disk and put it somewhere safe so in case you need to re-install again, you will have access to your files.

mr. vb

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I think you have to be the specific "Administrator" account from the installation used to encrypt the files :S