DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Access denied in Windows XP Encryped Files System

6 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/access-denied-in-windows-xp-encryped-files-system.59483/

lahratla
lahratla Original post #1
Jun 4, 2007 at 4:34 PM
I have locked several folders in my Windows XP+SP2 PC (NTFS) by removing all users from the security tab and encrypting them. I reinstalled windows and now can't decrypt the files or folders I have previously enrypted. Even if I add user or take ownership, access to the sub-folders or files are denied, though i can view them, but not open. Please help. Can anyone give me certificate files (.cer) or recovery agent that can decrypt them?
Choto Cheeta
Jun 4, 2007 at 4:50 PM
How about with ROOT Admin user ?? is that user is also unable to access the files ??? try Copy those files to any FAT32 Drives :p
djmykey
djmykey #3
Jun 5, 2007 at 7:46 AM
@Choto:- when he doesnt have access how do u think he could copy it anyways.

@lahratla:- Rt click on the folder, then click on the security tab, then click on the advanced button. There there is a owner tab. Click on that and then in the list below select your current user and then tick the Replace owner on subfolders and objects. You have to do this twice (same operation) before you get access to the files.

I know this coz there was an pc in the HR dept which had somewhat like 30k resumes and the folder permissions were vanished.
Choto Cheeta
Jun 5, 2007 at 10:37 AM
@djmykey

Read man.... He do have read only access !!!

lahratla said:
though i can view them

!!! :(
djmykey
djmykey #5
Jun 6, 2007 at 7:29 AM
though i can view them, but not open.

@lahratla:- could you pls explain.
blueshift
Jun 6, 2007 at 8:43 AM
ya.. djmykey is right. You can take ownership of the folders and change permissions.