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Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

By on September 8, 2009 (16 Comments)

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

    export import key01 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  2. Click File > Add/Remove Snap in…

    export import key03 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  3. Select Certificates and click Add

    export import key04 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

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

    export import key05 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

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

    export import key06 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

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

Importing Your Backed Up Certificate

  • Press the Winkey+R to open the run dialogue, and type mmc

    export import key01 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • At the console root, expand Certificates – Current User > Personal > Certificates. On a blank area in the right-hand pane right click and click All Tasks > Import… (If you do not see Certificates in the left-hand menu, follow steps 2-4 above)

    export import key07 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • Click Next

    export import key08 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • Locate your backed up file and click Next

    export import key09 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • Type in the key’s password (set when you created it), and check Mark key as exportable if you would like the option to transfer it, again, in the future. Check Include all extended properties and click Next

    export import key10 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • Choose to store the certificate in your personal store and click Next

    export import key11 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • Click Finish

    export import key12 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

  • You will be notified of the success of the import. You can now access your encrypted files again

    export import key13 Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

    • Decrypt Your Encrypted Files in Windows [How To]

    About Rich

    Rich is the owner and creator of Windows Guides; he spends his time breaking things on his PC so he can write how-to guides to fix the problems he creates.

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    Comments

    • Decrypt Your Encrypted Files i

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

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    • Venkat

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

    • Venkat

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

    • Venkat

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

    • Mel

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

    • Mel

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

    • Mel

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

    • Billy Vrahnos

      Very nice,thanks!

    • Billy Vrahnos

      Very nice,thanks!

    • Billy Vrahnos

      Very nice,thanks!

    • http://richr.org/ Rich

      Not that I know of, sorry.

    • Jhgkljg

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

    • Aleksandr Lawati

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

    • Budi

      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.

      • Adirent_Diva

         I have the same problem..  somebody help me please


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