Tips to Remove File Encryption

[VickyMilza]

Hi All,

Encryption is a method of preventing unauthorized access to computer files. When you apply encryption to a file, the file is altered so that it cannot be read by others, unless you have given them an encryption key. Windows XP supports encryption through EFS, the Encrypting File System. If you have encrypted a file on your Windows XP computer, but no longer want or need the file to be encrypted, you can remove file encryption by changing the file's properties in Windows Explorer.

1. Locate the file from which you want to remove encryption in Windows Explorer.

2. Right-click on the file, then click the "Properties" link in the context-menu. This opens a Properties window.

3. Click the "Advanced" button in the attributes section of the Properties window. This opens the Advanced Attributes window.

4. Click to uncheck the box next to "Encrypt contents to secure data" in the Advanced Attributes window. Click the "OK" button to close the Advanced Attributes window.

5. Click the "Apply" button in the Properties window, then click the "OK" button. This closes the window and completes the encryption removal process.

Best Regards
Vicky Milza

[TonyMccallum]

Hello Members,

Encryption is converting data into a format that cannot be read by other users. You can use EFS to automatically encrypt your data when it is stored on the hard disk. Only the user who encrypts a file can recover data that has been encrypted, unless the user specifies a recovery agent before they encrypted the files. To make sure that you can decrypt files in the future, you should always export your certificate and private key and keep them in a safe location. To remove encryption from a folder, follow these steps:

1. Use Windows Explorer to locate the encrypted folder that you want to decrypt.
2. Right-click the folder, and then click Properties.
3. On the General tab, click Advanced.
4. Click to clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, click OK, and then click OK again.
5. When you are prompted to confirm the attribute change:
If you want to decrypt only the folder, click Apply the changes to this folder only, and then click OK.
If you want to decrypt the folder and its sub-folders and files, click Apply changes to this folder, sub-folders and files, and then click OK.

Best Regards,
Tony Mccallum