Thread: How to Trace and secure encrypted files on the system

A re-installation of the operating system is waiting to be done. Till now, you used to save files in an encrypted manner on the old system with the EFS procedure. Do you need to keep anything in mind before setting up the new system?

You must save the key of your EFS file encryption (Encrypted File System) before a re-installation. You can no longer access your data without it from the reset system. Alternatively, you can also encrypt the files and transfer them to an external storage medium.

SAVING PRIVATE KEYS: Start Internet Explorer and go to 'Tools/internet Options'. Switch to the 'Content' tab in the dialog box and click on 'Certificates'. Select your key in the 'Personal' list and click 'Export' below. Select 'Export private key' in the Export wizard, specify a password and the storage location for the export. It will be easier to export if you have an USB stick ready. You can save it to a safer location later. Finally, click 'Yes, export private key'.

SAVING ENCRYPTED FILES: You can use the 'cipher' command line tool to trace all the encrypted files on the system. Open 'Start/Run', enter 'cmd' and click 'OK'. in Vista or Windows 7, enter 'cmd' in the search field of the start menu. Enter the following command in the command line and press Enter . cipher /u /n /c:
The tool searches the drive transferred as a parameter in 'c:' for instance and then shows all the encrypted files which it finds Navigate to the respective storage'location of the files in Windows Explorer and save them on an external drive.

Note: the encryption tool cipher is also available in the home versions of Vista and Windows 7.