Cannot Open Encrypted Files

Question

When I upgraded to Vista, I saved all my documents. Unfortunately, I had one of my folders encrypted, and when I put it back in Vista, I cannot open the files in this folder. I get the message that 'the document name or path is not valid'. It suggests checking my security settings or using File Open to access the files. Neither worked. The files are all Microsoft Word documents or Excel spread sheets. I use Microsoft Office 2000. The files were encrypted using Windows encryption. I can decrypt them but still not access them. Any suggestions?

jmwills · Answer

Did you not save the Encryption Key?  Without that key there is no way you can open these files.   You can have all the acces rights in the world and without that key, you have nothing.

MrKite · Answer

I don't know what key you are referring to. When I encrypted, I right clicked on the folder, selected properties, selected advanced, checked the encryption box, and clicked OK. I was not prompted for anything else.

jmwills · Answer

It's a little seemless but your data encryption was lost when you did not decrypt before you upgraded

pcgeek11 · Answer

Bad news but you are not the first or last to make this mistake. I am sorry that I have no news or encouragement. I never use it for this very reason.   pcgeek11

MrKite · Answer

To pcgeek11: This falls under the category of live and learn. Fortunately, I dug through some stuff and found a CD that I had copied the files to. It was dated, but I was able to recover most of the files. I think I will just do without encryption from now on.

jmwills · Answer

Believe me, we have all learned this lesson.

Windows General

Was this post helpful?