Locked out of Encrypted XP files on clean install W7


  1. lorlin
    Posts : 6
    Win7 Pro 32bit SP1
       New #1

    Locked out of Encrypted XP files on clean install W7


    Upgraded from XP to W7Pro this May. I do not have the encryption key from the XP machine, the new install was over XP on the same machine, and now cannot access 20 years worth of files. Contacted windows who suggested I contact a local IT rep. IT folks are saying nothing they can do. Any suggestions? I can't help but think this must have happened once or twice before?
    Is there some Encryption File Recovery software out there?
    Appreciate any suggestions.
    Thanks, Lorlin
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  3. LMiller7
    Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       New #2

    Sorry, but aside from some advanced hacking methods (which we cannot discuss on this forum) I see no solution for your problem. The availability of File encryption recovery software would nullify the security gained by encryption.

    Files of any importance need at least one backup copy while those of particular importance need 2 or more backup copies. Encrypted files are no exception. You just need to take appropriate precautions with the backups. Files can be lost to a wide variety of causes and you need to be prepared when (not if) something happens.
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  4. lorlin
    Posts : 6
    Win7 Pro 32bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Oh yes, I have multiple backups, performed every two weeks like clockwork, but these also are encrypted.
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  6. logicearth
    Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       New #4

    Without the encryption key you are out of luck. You will not be getting these files back. If you could just download some random software to remove the encryption that would defeat the purpose. That is why when you first use EFS, Windows will ask to create a recovery encryption key, to prevent what just happened.

    The best way, if you can is to go back before upgrading to Windows 7, back to XP, then unencrypt the files BEFORE upgrading.
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  7. lorlin
    Posts : 6
    Win7 Pro 32bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Thanks for your replies, live & learn.
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  8. Anshad Edavana
    Posts : 562
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #6

    Hi

    There are two data recovery products which may help you recover/decrypt the files. Both are not hack tools and requires the actual password used for the encryption as input (old XP installation's log in paaword ).

    Disk Internal's EFS Recovery : Efs Data Recovery for Windows 7. Restore files from damaged efs partitions

    Elcomesoft EFS Recovery : Decrypt and recover files protected with the Encrypting File System (EFS)
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  10. lorlin
    Posts : 6
    Win7 Pro 32bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    Hi Anshad,
    Thanks for those suggestions, I will let you know if I have any success.
    Lorlin
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