encryption screw-up?!?!

[xpect nothing]

In complete lack of knowledge, I decided to encrypt a bunch of files. I had no special reason for doing so. Just thought I'd check out what it was. The files in question are a shitload of jpeg's (not that it matters much now anyway).

Anyho', I had to do a clean install of winxp pro the other day, and when I tried to open one of the encrypted jpeg's, it was practically dead. The file is very much present, but I can't view or edit it in any way, because it's encrypted. Boy, Me = smart, huh? NOT!

I don't know much about encryption (well, I guess I've learned a lesson now though..), but are these files forever "lost"? Is there any way to (magically) "remove" the encryption?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to flush my head down the toilet.

[sluweeze]

Usually with files I have encrypted I can still read the file normally. But since you can't, have you tried to UN-encrypt the files? Usually you can just go into properites>advanced and uncheck the box that says "Encrypt contents to secure data" and then when you click Apply, the file goes back to normal. It has always worked for me. Plus you might need to be logged on as an Administrator to do this.

[Zxian]

@sluweeze: I think that the problem here is the fact that he has reinstalled Windows.


@xpect nothing: I think that you're outta luck on this note... AFAIK, Windows generates a new encryption key on install, so the chances of you getting your pictures back is very slim.

[xpect nothing]

operites>advanced and uncheck the box that says "Encrypt contents to secure data" and then when you click Apply, the file goes back to normal.

Yeah, I tried that, but it doesn't work since I reinstalled windows.
Zxian: That's what I thought..

Thanks for clearing it up
I'm officially dead!