How to unencrypt files in vista

[Matteysan]

So my Vista install bombed last night while i was sleeping & i wake to a flashing _ in the top left. Nothing would repair/restore so i had to format.

Now i have a problem cause i encrypted a folder on my pc & now i can't access the files inside. When i go to access them it says "Photo gallery can't open this picture because you do not have permission to access the file location.

ok so now i'm wondering how do i get past this? i'm using vista ultimate 32bit & i know the password i used for it, but cannot find anywhere where to enter this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated i really need these pictures back

 

[6thElement]

Invent a time machine and backup your user key before you experience a system crash.

Read this: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457020.aspx

It might help, otherwise google efs file recovery.

 

[Matteysan]

I've backed up the user key but i have no idea where to put it i'll check out the program you said on google. thanks!

 

[superplay]

Double click the key file, this should kick off the certificate import wizard.

If not

Star Run / MMC
File / Add remove Snap in
Add in the Certificate Snap In
Select "My User Account"
Expand Certificate - Current User / Personal / Certificates
Right click in the right hand pane and select All Tasks/Import

This will then kick of the import Wizard.

 

[Matteysan]

ah dear, i had the file i needed saved on the wrong drive dammit, the efs program i was told to search doesn't work & i can't use the other methods cause i don't have the file :/

Is there anyway of brute forcing my way to get the files back in my permission? I was going to get around to backing up that file today as well always leave it too late.

 

[superplay]

Once you loose the EFS certificate the files are gone.

 

[Matteysan]

Oh geez thats not good, I wish i never encrypted them now only did it yesterday too

I'm running a recovery program at the moment on the drive so hope i can find the file there somewhere.