How to access encrypted files in NTFS partiton after re-install
By Ashish MohtaIf 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.



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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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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.