Thread: Problems while recovering encrypted data

I have Windows XP SP2. I encrypted my "My Documents" folder on my C partition. Then, I copied the files from "My Documents" to a folder in my E: as a backup. I wanted to format my C partition and reinstall Windows XP on it. I forgot to decrypt my backup data so now I cannot access these files.

Here's what I can do. I can view the file size and properties and also the encryption certificate, but it says that it cannot find the private key. I have tried EFS recovery software, but this did not work as it just searched for deleted encryption certificates. Since I formatted and reinstalled XP, none are found matching the ones applied on those files.

The thing is that my computer name, account name and even my password are exactly the same as my earlier installation, hence it at least allows me to view the certificate on the files. Does anyone know any way to recover my data?

I had tried Advanced EFS Recovery Pro recently. There are few things required to make it work.

1. You must have its original certificate. You should have it saved on either a floppy or other medium when you first encrypted it.

2. You must use the same hard-drive that you used with EFS, as this software will search for the certificate and key. Forget attempting it if your original hard drive is corrupted.