Cannot move encrypted files to new system.

BuboyIX

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May 11, 2015
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4,540
Hey guys,

I have a unit with a dead motherboard but with other stuff working like the hard drive and power supply. So I decided to change the motherboard only. Then I removed the hard drive and placed in on an enclosure to back up my previous files so I can perform a clean install of windows. However, I had encrypted files in there. Then this window popped up (http://imgur.com/uBbJrAE) I accidentally closed that window. How can I bring that window back up again cause can't move the files from my hard drive to another system.

Thanks
 
Solution
If you didn't export the encryption certificates from the computer that encrypted the files then the data in those files is gone forever. Time to restore from your backup. You DID make a backup of your files, yes?
To back up your EFS certificate

Open Certificate Manager by clicking the Start button , typing certmgr.msc into the Search box, and then pressing ENTER. ...
Click the arrow next to the Personal folder to expand it.
Click Certificates.
Click the certificate that lists Encrypting File System under Intended Purposes.
 

BuboyIX

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May 11, 2015
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4,540


But I'm on a different computer. When I plug the old hard drive with the encrypted files on the new motherboard. Windows won't boot. I don't think it's the same certificate as the one it is asking when I try to decrypt it.
 

BuboyIX

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May 11, 2015
32
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4,540


Gone forever?:(

Yep, I haven't exported it. Not really my PC, so there's no backup of it.

Hey, do you atleast know how to make this window pop up again? (http://imgur.com/uBbJrAE)
 

BuboyIX

Reputable
May 11, 2015
32
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4,540


What will I do next after clicking the certificate?