Windows 10: Unable to access encrypted files

I previously encrypted some files back in 2018. Fast forward to about a week ago and I got a security message about a potential security threat from a plugin I previously used, and that re-installing windows was a recommended action. I was OK with this, since I've had a practice of resetting my PC every couple of years to keep everything from getting too bogged down anyway. I copied all of the items I wanted to keep, including the encrypted files, and did a clean installation of windows.

Now that I have a clean copy of windows, everytime I try to open the files I get errors about "You do not have permission to open this file". So I performed the actions mentioned here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...d-not-be/6ae895e2-f154-40de-b970-e93d3fc8f060

but nothing changed after performing the steps and restarting.


Then I restored my previous windows version using a full system image that was made around the same time the files were encrypted. I thought that if I restored that windows installation it would give me access again, but the error still occurs and I am locked out of the files. I also tried to see if I could access a copy of the files that might exist in the FileHistory backup, but windows keeps telling me to "reselect your file history drive" and will not bring up the stored file history even though I can still see the filehistory directory and content.


I'm running out of ideas, and was hoping that someone more knowledgeable might be able to help?

:)

 

Unable to access/open encrypted files

Hello Tom,

We regret for the inconvenience and we understand the frustration when things don't go the way they supposed to. Let me assist you.

Before we proceed any further let us know a few more details on the below questions.

• Are you facing any issues while accessing data not encrypted in your PC?
• Did you observe the issue immediately after Windows 10 installation or after any software/hardware changes made to PC (if any) ?
• What is the relevant error message when you say 'locked and cannot be opened'?

As an initial recommendation, I suggest you to refer to the below thread, wherein
Niranjan Majhi has replied to on 31st May, 2016.

Cannot open EFS encrypted files after upgrading to Windows 10

Write to us with the updated status and the required information related to encrypted files in Windows, for us to be able to assist you further.

Thank You.

 

Windows XP file encryption

LOL thanks, I think its standard windows XP file encryption

 

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!!