Share via

EFS encryption

Anonymous
2023-02-23T17:53:22+00:00

Does anyone know how to open/unlock files that have been encrypted using the Windows 10 EFS security when the motherboard quits and the SSD and HDD have been encrypted using the EFS?

(Windows 10 Pro)

(to encrypt: select folder in explorer>r click properties>general tab>advanced-select box "encrypt contents to secure data")

My motherboard died and evidently the EFS is on the SSD C drive.

I removed the drives from the dead computer and all the files show up when plugged into a different computer using USB adapter.

However, they either show a little lock or are a different color. They are not assessable...to open or to send or use in any way.

I have years of data I can't access. Microsoft and HP were no help.

I've gone thru all I could find on the internet:

Command line decrypt

Security-group or user names allow

Was told by Microsoft that if I got the exact same computer & hardware that it wouldn't help (HP ZBook 14u G4, 64 bit Intel i7-7500U CPU)

Any ideas???

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question. To protect privacy, user profiles for migrated questions are anonymized.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-02-23T18:43:01+00:00

    Hi, my name is Kelly, and I'm an independent consultant and I'm here to help.

    I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble accessing your encrypted files after your motherboard died. Here are a few things you can try to regain access to your files:

    Try logging in with the same user account: If you can still access the Windows installation on the original hard drive, try logging in with the same user account that was used to encrypt the files. This may allow you to access the encrypted files.

    Use your EFS recovery agent: If you set up an EFS recovery agent when you encrypted the files, you may be able to use it to access the encrypted files. Check your EFS recovery agent certificate to see if you can use it to decrypt the files.

    Decrypt the files using a backup of your EFS certificate: If you have a backup of your EFS certificate, you may be able to use it to decrypt the files. To do this, you'll need to import the EFS certificate into the certificate store of the computer you're using to access the encrypted files.

    Contact a data recovery specialist: If you're unable to access your encrypted files using the above methods, you may need to contact a data recovery specialist who has experience with EFS encryption. They may be able to help you recover your encrypted files.

    Note that EFS encryption is tied to the user account that encrypted the files and the specific hardware that was used to perform the encryption. If you're unable to access the encrypted files using any of the above methods, it may not be possible to recover them.

    0 comments