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In previous guides, I showed you how to encrypt your files in Windows (XP) (Vista/7) In this guide, I’ll show you how to decrypt these files. You may need to decrypt your files in the following circumstances:

  • Moving files to a new computer
  • Reformatting your current machine and using your encrypted files on the new installation of Windows

Exporting Your Current Encryption Key

When you learned how to encrypt your files, you created an encryption key. To export your key for use on another computer or on a new installation of Windows, do the following:

  1. Press Winkey+R to open the run dialogue (Start > Run), and type mmc

    Decrypt Files in Windows 1

  2. Click File > Add/Remove Snap in…

    Decrypt Files in Windows 3

  3. Select Certificates and click Add

    Decrypt Files in Windows 4

  4. Click My user account and click Finish. Click Close. Click OK.

    Decrypt Files in Windows 5

  5. At the console root, expand Certificates – Current User > Personal > Certificates. Now right click on your user name and click All Tasks > Export…

    Decrypt Files in Windows 6

  6. Unless you want to change them, keep the defaults and give your exported file a name.

Importing Your Backed Up Certificate

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Comments

17 thoughts on “Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]”

  1. Decrypt Your Encrypted Files i says:

    […] See more here: Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To] | Windows 7 News #8230 […]

  2. Pingback: Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To] | Windows 7 News … | Windows (7) Affinity
  3. Venkat says:

    Encryption files in hard drive may be not required for home users for business companies encryption does help

  4. Venkat says:

    Encryption files in hard drive may be not required for home users for business companies encryption does help

  5. Venkat says:

    Encryption files in hard drive may be not required for home users for business companies encryption does help

  6. Mel says:

    At my work encryption doesn’t just help – it is absolutely required!

  7. Mel says:

    At my work encryption doesn’t just help – it is absolutely required!

  8. Mel says:

    At my work encryption doesn’t just help – it is absolutely required!

  9. Billy Vrahnos says:

    Very nice,thanks!

  10. Billy Vrahnos says:

    Very nice,thanks!

  11. Billy Vrahnos says:

    Very nice,thanks!

  12. Rich says:

    Not that I know of, sorry.

  13. Jhgkljg says:

    Have you tried the CIPHER command in DOS? I believe you need the /D switch to decrypt the files. Good luck!

  14. Aleksandr Lawati says:

    thanks a lot :) i have a question :) what the lock icon means in User directory in windows 7

  15. Budi says:

    hello rich, i have situation, re-install my windows 7 without de-encrypt my encrypted files.  when i try to access my files again, it doesnt work, eventhough i use my previous id. what should i do, cause i really need my files.

    1. Adirent_Diva says:

       I have the same problem..  somebody help me please

  16. Devang says:

    I had windows7 as my operating system in my laptop
    then i had install ubuntu 10.10 in same drive(partition)
    and my whole data in my otehr directories have been lost.
    then i reinstall windows 7 in my laptop so i backup whole deleted partition data from pro recovery software but

    i cant recover my Encrypted data or File.which had been encrypted in my E: drive(E:drive is encrypted by bit loker)
    so pls give me suggestion how i can retrive my Encrypted data back

Comments are closed.


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