Suddenly, Some files are encrypted after Formatting my PC

[mythz0ne]

Hello,
I formatted my computer yesterday and left only my “Backup” Drive as it was before (Drive X.
Now suddenly I receive a message that the file I tried to open is encrypted, and only the owner can open it.
I am of course an Administrator on my Computer, it appears only in some files. I attached a Screenshot for example.
And why even when I create a new Text File for example I receive a “Yellow Lock” on it like it's also encrypted? I never had like this before.






It happens as I said only on Drive X: The drive that I didn't format and keep from my old PC.

Thanks for the help.

 

[thestryker]

Sounds like it could be as simple as a permissions issue (hopefully). Is drive "X" NTFS?

If it is you can just try right clicking on the drive going to properties and then security tab. There you can hit advanced in the lower right and make sure that a user account currently on the computer has ownership. With any luck this is the issue and the drive hadn't been encrypted with something like bitlocker.

 

[Math Geek]

most likely your x drive was "owned" by you under the other OS. so it is still under that ownership. the files were always encrypted, you just see it now because you are not authorized to view them now.

you can try the permissions tab as noted above. it might work. if not you'll need to start the old OS back up and unlock them and finally move them to a neutral folder.

this is quite commom since most people use the standard my documents folders and libraries without knowing it locks the files to that user's account.

 

[mythz0ne]

I tried it but no success...
I am the Owner but still cant do anything

 

[Sanchit99]

Maybe the drive is encrypted by a ransomware or a virus. You should try checking the ransomware or a virus, if it causes the issue. You should consider running full scan on Windows Security app. If there are no viruses, you can take ownership of the drive by this registry tweak.

How to Add “Take Ownership” to the Right-Click Menu in Windows Explorer

Taking ownership of files or folders in Windows is not simple. Both the GUI and command line take too many steps. Why not add a simple context menu command that lets you take ownership of any file or folder?

www.howtogeek.com

Hope this helps! Thanks!