How to access encrypted files in NTFS partiton after re-install

If you have many encrypted files in NTFS partition of windows and you want to access it after re-installation of windows the only way to do is to backup your encryption certificates before going for a fresh installation. Many people make this blunder mistake and they are not able to access those files.

Follow the following instruction to backup your encryption certificates

In the Run Dialog Box [ win key + R ] type mmc and click ok.
This will open the Microsoft Management Console.
Select File > Add/Remove Snap in.
Now click on Add and select Certificates and click Add
Now go to Certificate - Current User > personal > Certificates
Right click on the certificate, point to All tasks and click Export.
Now you need to follow the instructions in the Certificate Export Wizard and associate private key to .pfx format.
Also make sure you de-select the option of Delete the private key if export is successful option.
Save this file to another partition or a floppy drive so that you can use it again after re-installation.
After re-installation double click the exported key and follow the wizard. You will be able to get back access to encrypted folders.

windows certificates for NTFS

NTFS certificates

Console certificates NTFS

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About The Author of this article:
Ashish is one of the co-author of this blog and writes on various interesting softwares, PC tips and more. You can read more of his articles here.

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Tags: access_encrypted_files, ntfs_cncrypted_files, windows_certificates, windows_encrypted_files

7 Comments and Link-Backs to “How to access encrypted files in NTFS partiton after re-install”

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6 Comments from Friends and Readers

Madhur Kapoor, September 12, 2007:

Nice tip Ashish sir , now i wont make this mistake
Ashish Mohta, September 12, 2007:

@Madhur: Haha you are like me on this. I had this habit which I left now. But with this tip nobody will loose their files
William, September 12, 2007:

I have some files after reinstall but don’t have any old keys. Is there any way to read them?
Ashish Mohta, September 12, 2007:

@William: I dont think you can get it because certificates act like passwords. But I will try to look for a solution if there is any
Gareth Williams, September 21, 2007:

This is great. I have two windows installations on two partitions. One has become unuseable (the encrypted files are on this partition). Can I get the certificates from the unbootable partition using the bootable one? (e.g. loading the registry file from the other drive)
Munirao, August 10, 2008:

Hi,

This is a nice tip. I should have read it before doing the blunder. I am now looking for someone who can get me the encryped files back.

The history of the problem is like this. I have two partitions on my laptop and os was xp. As there were some problems with the driver, got the C partition alone reformatted and xp resinalled. After it was reinstalled, i was not able to open any of the files. Microsoft files threw the error “word can not open the document: user does not have permission to access the file”. Note pad files threw the error “access is denied”. I conculted 3 local service centres and they could not fix it. The laptop originially came with vista. I now got vista installed and still face the same problem. It will be great if someone helps me to fix this problem. The vista I have now is licensed.