Recover encrypted files

[sswats]

HP laptop has stopped working.
Does not power on at all now.

Unfortunately there are loads of files that are encrypted that i can't read if i plug the hard drive into another machine.

Any clues on what steps to take?

 

[theheyes]

What are they encrypted with? EFS? Truecrypt?

 

[superplay]

If you used windows to encrypt the files (EFS) unless you have a backup of the certificate used to encrypt them there is no way to recover

If you do have a copy of the certificate then you will need to import it onto the recovery PC (If you double click the certificate this will start the certificate import wizard)

If you did not backup the certificate search the old drive for *.CER this will locate the certificate files that have been exported and you may find your EFS one!

If you are in a Domian enviroment the chances are is that the Admin has enabled recovery keys so they will be able to unlock the files.