Windows 10: Denied access to my own encrypted files

A while ago I made a backup of my data to an external hard drive. Some of those files are encrypted. For some reason, I am denied access to them.I can't use properties to uncheck the encrypt files option - it's greyed out, and it's already unchecked.I am the administrator of this PC and only have one user account - although there are multiple profiles listed when looking at permissions settings. I'm trying to access the files on the same PC where they were encrypted in the first place.I've tried all of the solutions in this thread, with no change: Error: "You need permission to perform this ac

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Accessing encrypted files

I have files on my backup hard drive which I cannot access - they have little padlock symbols on them.

After trying many different things, I get two messages:

1. There is a problem decrypting the files - access denied (or words to that effect)

2. "You need administrator permission to access this file" I am listed as the administrator on this computer.

I did not knowingly encrypt these files, just backed them up on the HD.

When I go through "properties" the permissions I see against my name have grey ticks, rather than black ones.

This suggests they are not actually effective/available.

Please help!!

 

Access denied error for a file even in safe mode - Windows 10

Hi Bennett,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community forum.

• Which file are you trying to access?
  
• Were there any changes that happened on the PC prior to this issue?
  

A problem that prevents you from accessing or working with files and folders can occur for one or more of the following reasons:

• The folder ownership has changed.
  
• You do not have the appropriate permissions.
  
• The file is encrypted.
  
• The file is corrupted or the user profile is corrupted.
  

Since you claim that you’re already the owner of the file, you may want to check if you have the appropriate permissions.

To check permissions on a file or a folder, follow these steps:

• Press and hold or right-click the file or folder, and then click
  Properties.
  

• Tap or click the Security tab.
• Under Group or user names, tap or click your name to see the permissions that you have.

To open a file, you have to have the Read permission. To change the permissions of a file or folder, follow these steps.

• Press and hold or right-click the file or folder, and then tap or click
  Properties.
• Tap or click the Security tab.
• Under Group or user names, tap or click your name to see the permissions that you have.
• Tap or click Edit, tap or click your name, select the check boxes for the permissions that you must have, and then click
  OK.

If the issue persists despite of having the appropriate permissions, check if the file is encrypted.

Encryption can help protect files and folders from unwanted access. You cannot open an encrypted file or folder without the certificate that was used to encrypt it.



Meanwhile, you may want to go through "Access
Denied" or other errors when you access or work with files and folders in Windows for more information regarding the same.



Note: The article holds good for Windows 10.



Regards,

 

Destination Folder Access Denied

Hi,

There are times that you may run into the issue of being unable to open or access or work with files and folder. The common message that flashes on your computer screen when you try doing so reads: "Access Denied."

This can occur for one or more of the following reasons:

• The folder ownership may have changed.
• You do not have the proper permissions.
• The file may be encrypted.
• The file may be in use.
• The file may be corrupt.
• The user profile may be corrupt.

To resolve this issue, the first step is to run CHKDSK. It detects and fix disk corruption. To run CHKDSK, follow these steps:

• Press Win+X.
• Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• In the window that opens enter your CHKDSK command.

Get back to us to if you need further assistance.