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I have an account on Windows Server 2008 R2, which at the moment I am using as a desktop.

I had certain files encrypted under a standard user account.

I changed my password, and then lost power without logging off. After logging in again I was no longer able to access those files. Changing the password back to the original did not help.

I have imported my backup certificate to the personal store with the correct password, although this did not grant me access.

What can I do?

edit: Is this because I did not backup my certificate/key after changing my password? Have I now lost access?

Jake
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2 Answers2

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Unfortunately, Windows is doing its job by denying you access with your old key :/ Windows requires a new key with a new password when it encrypts so someone with an old key gets locked out, just like a dead bolt.

Canadian Luke
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I misread your question - missing completely on that you had ABRUPT loss of power. This could mean any variation of possibilities, but corrupt file may be one of the big reason. This is exactly it happened to me when an encrypted excel file could not be rescued after a hard drive crash.

Have you give a try to password remover for your file type? (e.g.Elcomsoft's Word Password Remover, Excel ....?) Cost of password remover offsets the value of the data file, IMO.

Running out of ideas.

C2940680
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