Locked out of Encrypted XP files on clean install W7

[lorlin]

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

 

[LMiller7]

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.

 

[lorlin]

Oh yes, I have multiple backups, performed every two weeks like clockwork, but these also are encrypted.

 

[logicearth]

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.

 

[lorlin]

Thanks for your replies, live & learn.

 

[Anshad Edavana]

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)

 

[lorlin]

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