Windows XP Pro encryption

[Potatoman]

Hi all - Every time i create any file in XP pro, it automatically encrpyts the file when i save it - can i turn this off or do i have to decrypt it manually everytime? Also, if i saved an encrypted file on CD or whatever, would it open ok on another PC? Thanks

[kempie]

This link should explain everything about EFS.

[Potatoman]

The reg key that this site isnt in my registry.
So what happens if for example i back up my files that are encrypted and need to restore them if i re-installed windows? Would they be useless?

[OBonio]

From my understanding of encryption this would have to be key based. When the OS is installed there will be a key produced to enc/dec the data. If reinstalled I would doubt that the same key would be produced so you wouldn't be able to dec.

[Tritan]

can i ask if you are creating / saving the files to the same specific location? If so, consider that the location may be set to encrypt all content, eg:

If My Documents is set to have EFS (encryption) active, all documents crated in it, will be encrypted when created or moved in to that location.

To determine if a file or folder is set to Compress or Encrypt, got to the Properties of the file/folder by Right clicking it, and then press the Advanced button. At the bottom of this window you will see the relevant check boxes.