Cannot access my previously encripted files and folders after windows 10 clean reinstall

Question

Hello,

I can no longer access encrypted files which I had transferred on an external hard drive before doing a clean reinstall of windows 10 on the same computer. My understanding was that I as long as I did not change my Microsoft account that this would not be a problem re accessing the files.

I have recovered my encryption key through my Microsoft account but I am not sure how to use this as I don´t see a prompt for the encryption key or password when I click on the files.

When I attempt to open one of them I get the following message "You don´t have permission to open this file. See the owner of the file or de administrator to obtain permission"

I am both the owner of the files and also the administrator on my computer so I would appreciate some help on this matter. When I right click on the file the File ownership is set to Personal (with an open lock icon) When I click on personal I get the following error message "Error 0x80071771 The specific file could not be decrypted".

Also, when I try to reinstall a backup containing he the files it tells me that these files will be skipped as they cannot be transferred.I am at loss on what to do next and would be grateful if someone could help.

Answer 1

Hi GabriellaNonino ... how did you encrypt the files?

Did you just right click and go to properties and encrypt them that way?

If so, then that is using EFS encryption not Bitlocker which Bitlocker is what is linked to your Microsoft Account.

Do you have a backup of your encryption key?

When you use EFS it would have prompted you to backup your key.

Do you remember doing that?

Answer 2

I locked the folder and all it´s contents and sub folders by checking the box that said ‘Encrypt contends to secure data’ and saved the original key on a drive which got corrupted (lesson learned). I have,however,  retrieved the encryption key through my Microsoft account but cannot find any instruction on how to add this key to the reinstalled Windows 10 settings.

Answer 3

You are welcome.

Answer 4

Thank you. Will try your suggestion and will report back in case of success. Many thank for your help!

Answer 5

Save the file to your machine then right click it and select to install pfx then follow the wizard.

See link.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/77268-impor...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.