How to log in as a default Administrator

Hi,

I recently purchased a laptop with windows 7 home premiuim edition.

All my files which were backed up from my old laptop on to hard disk were kind of encrypted , so when I try to copy them or change the encryption check box, I get the error message " access denied or admin privelges missing".

I searched few forums and realized that there is a default admin account with all privelges which is different from regular admin account( I have only 1 user account which is also admin account)

I tried to follow the suggestion:
Command: net user active/yes..but it returned the below message:

NET USER
[USER NAME {Password : * [options]] [Domain]
user name {password :}/ ADD [options][ /Domain]
user name [/delete][ Domain]
username [/times:{times :all]

Please help on how to get this issue.

Is logging in as a default admin the only way to open these files.
I do not have the old laptop all my backup is now avalable only in the hard drive.

Thanks in advance.

VSS

Thanks for the reply.

I am not sure how the files were set as encrypted.

Most of these are my personal stuff like photos, pay stubs etc....

Please help on how to log in as default admisnistrator...

Your syntax should have been net user administrator /active

I could see the certificate thumprint hat was used to encrypt the files.

Does this help me to buid or add a certificate in my new machine and access these files?

If yes please guide me on how to add a new certificate?

Thanks
Vss

Hi VSS,

A possible solution to your problem would be using any Linux distro to access and modify the file permissions. You do not have to install certain distros to the HDD, but rather create a "Live" CD. It allows you to run a Linux environment via CD. I would suggest Fedora or RedHat (Fedora is a modification of RedHat, and rather Linux-Newbie friendly).

Linux ignores any and all file permissions set by Windows, and does contain a plethora of decryption applications should the need arise. One note, however, is that if BitLocker was used, you're out of luck without obtaining the original permissions on your old laptop to remove the encryption without the key.

Fedora LiveCD: FedoraLiveCD - FedoraProject

I would recommend, however, to actually install the OS, as it is much more reliable then Windows and is a great tool to have when Safe Mode just won't cut it. There are many many other advantages as well, but I leave it up to you.

I would suggest using this method as the last thing you do, as it is a little time consuming and a bit hefty to download and setup.

Good luck with your problem!

- Ryuku

Thank you for a quick response.

As stated before.
If these files are encrypted unless you remove the encryption from them on the PC the encryption was created on you will NOT be able to use, see or do anything with them.

No permission setting is going to remove the encryption.