Is XP EFS compatiable with 7

[biggordonlips]

I have a few EFS files on my XP machine that I'd like to transfer to a computer that has 7 loaded. I could decrypt on the xp machine and reencrypt on the 7 machine- but I'd rather just give the 7 machine the ability to read the XP files. I tried exporting the pfx file from the XP machine and imported it to the 7 machine- it reported "import successful", one problem: couldn't read any of the encrypted files. (the same method worked fine XP to XP)

Couple questions:
Do XP and 7 use the same EFS system?
If they use a different system, can 7 read XP EFS?
If so, how would I import the certificate?

I was reading about savestate but it appeared to only work on domain controllers

 

[Corrine]

Hi, biggordonlips. Welcome to SevenForums.

According to this Microsoft FAQ, your encrypted files can be imported from Windows XP to Windows 7.Troubleshoot encrypted files and folders:

I can't open my files after transferring them to a different computer.

Your encrypted files and EFS certificate and key can be migrated from a computer running Windows 2000 or Windows XP to this version of Windows, or from one computer running this version of Windows to another computer running this version of Windows using the Windows Easy Transfer wizard. The first time that you log on to Windows after the migration, you might be prompted to provide your password from the old computer to update the files that you transferred to your new account. The EFS certificate and key are included in the files. If you cancel the prompt or do not provide the correct password, you will not be able to open the encrypted files that were transferred.
You can still recover the files by importing the EFS certificate and key that was used on your old computer. For more information, see Recover encrypted files or folders. You can also recover the files by following these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt window by clicking the Start button
   
   , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Command Prompt.
2. Type dpapimig.exe, and then press Enter.
3. Type the password that you used on your old computer, and then click Confirm my account information and update content protection.
   You should be able to open your files.

This topic describes how to Back up Encrypting File System (EFS) certificate.

 

[biggordonlips]

I got it to work, the only thing I did differently was make the pfx file have permissions for Everyone. Previous attempts reported "success" but nothing worked, now it seems to read the files fine.

 

[Corrine]

Good job! Thanks for letting us know.