recover encrypted files

omid666

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Sep 16, 2013
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I had some files encrypted in windows Vista and then I copied them to my external hard drive.
I forgot that the files were encrypted so I didn't backed up the certificate.
I formatted my hard drive and installed windows 8, fortunately I have a copy of my windows files, so I have a copy of "C:\Users\<User-name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\My\Certificates",it means that i have a copy of certificate that files were encrypted with, right?! so I want to know How I can use the encrypted files now?!
 
Interesting problem.

It's a little beyond me, though I have one idea that may or may not work:

1. Make a backup Image of Windows C-Drive.
2. COPY your W8 Certificates folder somewhere (change folder system/hidden settings as needed)
3. Overwrite the Certificates folder in Windows 8 with the Vista one
4. Attempt to recover your files

5. Restore the original Certificates folder (may not need the backup Image but better safe than sorry)

A good chance this won't work.
 

omid666

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Sep 16, 2013
4
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18,510


I have tested it already but it doesn't work
 

omid666

Distinguished
Sep 16, 2013
4
0
18,510


Actually I have the directory that I mentioned, as far as I know,it contains the certificate, but it is not working from the cermgr.msc