If you run into problems with EFS and you've backup up your encryption certificate, recovering the files and folders you’ve previously encrypted is easy. Have your encryption certificate backup to hand before you start.
This process allows you to recover files from an external source, such as a removable hard drive, when the files are encrypted using EFS.
1. Holding down the Windows key, press R to obtain the Run dialog box then type certmgr.msc then press Return.
2. Expand the Personal node then click on the Certificates folder.
3. Right click on Certificates, select All Tasks then select Import… This start the Certificate Import Wizard.
4. Click Next on the first page to start the process.
5. Click on the Browse button then navigate to the removable drive were the backup certificate is stored. Select the backup certificate then click Next.
6. Type the password you assigned to the backup certificate in during the backup process. Make sure and select Automatically select the certificate store based on the type of certificate to make sure the backup EFS certificate is stored in the right place. Click Next.
Once the wizard completes, you should have access again to the encrypted files.
Tony Campbell
Author, Consultant, Speaker
Windows Vista: Beyond the Manual
Posted
Mar 26 2007, 10:01 AM
by
TonyC