Cannot decrypt previously encrypted files

I had a folder which I apparently encypted on my old pc, and I moved that hard drive containing that folder onto my new pc as a 2nd hard drive. Now all the file names are green and I can't acess the file nor can I decrypt the files.

When I attempt to move the folder, it says I need permission from Fatso666/Eamon, which is my pc's name and my user name, ie the user I'm currently using....

I still have my old pc and so I exported the security certificate and then imported it onto my new pc, but when I attempt to untick the encrypt file option it says access denied.

This thread is locked. You can vote as helpful, but you cannot reply or subscribe to this thread.

Answer

Mohammad _ Imran

Hi Fatso666,

If you get an access denied message when you try to open an encrypted file, the key that was used to encrypt the file is probably not on your computer. If you transferred the file from another computer, you need to get the key from that computer. If the file was encrypted by someone else, that person will need to add your certificate to the file before you can access it.

Try suggestion from the article below. (To add a certificate to an encrypted file)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/How-do-I-open-an-encrypted-file-if-I-am-denied-access

Bindu R - Microsoft Support
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

42 people found this reply helpful

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Answer

A. User

Had a similar problem after my Windows 7 OS crashed and restored it on the same machine, same user id and could not access previously encrypted folders. The way I fixed I searched for *.pfx files, found one efs backup, right clicked on it and selected "Install PFX", then got another screen where I entered the password I used when I encrypted the folder, it accepted it and got the message my certificate was restored. Then went into the encrypted folder's property and select to remove encryption and it went trough Ok. Hope this helps........Vic

Contribute to the Windows forum!

Windows 7 Top Forum Contributors:

Windows 7 Forum Top Contributors:

Cannot decrypt previously encrypted files

Replies (10)

Question Info

Cannot decrypt previously encrypted files

Replies (10) 

Question Info

Replies (10)