Decrypt XP Files

[veryjonny]

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.

[parksie]

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?

[markman]

404

[parksie]

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

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

[veryjonny]

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

[veryjonny]

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.

[parksie]

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

[veryjonny]

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

[JoshT]

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

[parksie]

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

[parksie]

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

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