You think you know win2k/xp efs ..well

[Doubolplay1]

First of all , I did not mean to be rude; I just wanted to get the attention to my thread.
I am having a problem and hope is fixable. I encrypted folders and files in win2k under an account, and upgraded to xp. Now, I can't decrypt any of it. I have read all sorts of paper on xp/2k , created certificates, changed permissions, anything you name it. All I want to do is decrypt them, any help would be great!! PS> I really would like to see who will crack this one


Remember it is an EFS problem , not a permission problem.

 

[Saltin]

I always tel people at places I've worked the same thing If you're going to use EFS, save a copy of your key on a floppy. They never do.
The key in question is associated with your user profile. My best guess is that during the upgrade, you created a new account, and hence a new profile.
That means those files of your are gone forever.

Unless you happen to have a backup of your profile, and hence the key, you are out of luck.

 

[Doubolplay1]

Well, I created the same account, it was just a clean install . I just cant believe that logged in as the Administrator , I don't have complete control over the system. I dont care any hacking/cracking tips would be great Thanks!

 

[Nothinman]

Well, I created the same account, it was just a clean install

Account name means nothing, everything is assocated with the SID which is different when you reinstall.

I just cant believe that logged in as the Administrator , I don't have complete control over the system

You sort of do, it's Windows you never have complete control =) And the crypto would be rather worthless if I could just grab your disk and decrypt with any Administrator account.

 

[Doubolplay1]

OK guys, very good points . I appreciate the help I should have thought about both of those points .... Carlos!

 

[AndyHui]

You should have read the FAQ: How to use EFS and backup your Private Key.

Those files are pretty much gone and cannot be recovered unless you have a designated Recovery Agent.