Windows 10: Corrupted Win10 Profile, and Can't Decrypt Files

Hey folks:


I've got two HDs; one which is for the OS, and one for files. (I run Macrium Reflect, but stupidly did not include the OS drive in that imaging.)


For some reason my Windows profile became corrupted. While I still have all of my files on the second hard drive, many of them are under ownership of the corrupted profile and I cannot access them or assign new ownership in order to use them. Attempting to "Make personal" in the context menu throws a "Error 0x80071771, The specified file could not be decrypted".


I followed some online help to access the hidden Admin profile and created a new profile to start rebuilding everything. I AM able to log in to the corrupted profile (and have not deleted it), but am trying not to do so out of caution for screwing up more stuff.


Since the corrupt profile still exists, is there a way to locate and use the key so I can decrypt my files?


I tried running SFC Scannow and DISM's Restorehealth commands, both of which are saying everything looks fine. SFC did initially say it found some corrupted files and then repaired them, but the old profile is still missing all of my desktop files, wallpaper- obvious clues that it's still royally messed up.


Does anyone have any ideas on how to decrypt files owned by a corrupted profile?

Thank you so much!!!



Best,

Chris

:)

 

Corrupted file RAR

If the archive has been created using WinRAR, why don't you try WinRAR itself? It has a built-in repair feature for repairing corrupted archive (ZIP as well as RAR). Follow the steps given below:

• Open WinRAR application in your system.
• Now click on File tab > Open or simply press Ctrl+O.
• A small window "Find Archive" will pop up. Locate the corrupt RAR archive from your system directory and select it.
• Now click Open button.
• Click Tools tab > Repair archive or simply press Alt+R.
• Again a small window "Repairing File name.rar" will pop up.
• Now click Browse to select a location to save the repaired archive.
• Check the box "Treat the corrupt archive as RAR" and click OK.
• WinRAR will start repairing of corrupt RAR archive. Once it gets completed click Close.

I hope the above steps will help you repair the corrupted RAR archive.

Thanks.

 

How to Decrypt *.cerber3 files?

AFAIK it's still not possible to decrypt your files for free...

In addition to what has been mentioned in the prior posts, you might want to read this:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cerber-ransomware-switches-to-cerber3-extension-for-encrypted-files/

And I strongly suggest to read/do:

• How to remove ransomware the right way: A step-by-step guide
• The smartest way to stay unaffected by ransomware? Backup!

 

Corrupted User Profile

Hi,

There maybe a couple of reasons behind this misbehavior such as a corrupted system file. However, we would like to be able to verify which process exactly is corrupted.

• When you install, does it give you any form of error message when it fails?
• What other processes doesn't go through on the said User account?

As per troubleshooting, you may refer to
Likhitha V's response on this thread. See if it applies to you. However,
just to give you a heads up. The steps are about creating a new user profile and deleting the current one. I suggest you back up your files so you may be able to transfer it. You can also find information about it on the same thread.

We'll be waiting for your response. If you have any other concerns, don't hesitate to come back to us.