Hi

I saved all my document into an external HDD because I wanted to reinstall
my PC once my PC was installed I tried to open my files which in the external
HDD but I couldn’t because all my files where encrypted for security.

How can I open my folders?

Thank you

If you failed to make copies of your Personal Encryption Certificate,
and associated Private Key (and no recovery agent certificates exist),
you won't be able to open or use your encrypted files.
No back door exists, nor is there any practical way to open those files.
(If there were, it wouldn't be very good encryption.)

HOW TO: Remove File Encryption in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;308993

Without a backup of the original Encryption Certificate Key, encrypted files
are unrecoverable as they will stay encrypted forever. There is no recovery
method since the encryption security algorithm is now completely different
with a reinstall of Windows XP.

See if the following articles help in any way:

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;308421

Best Practices for the Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;223316

Encrypting File System in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro...y/cryptfs.mspx

EFS Files Appear Corrupted When You Open Them
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;329741

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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"James" wrote:

| Hi
|
| I saved all my document into an external HDD because I wanted to reinstall
| my PC once my PC was installed I tried to open my files which in the external
| HDD but I couldn’t because all my files where encrypted for security.
|
| How can I open my folders?
|
| Thank you