HomeDiscover WindowsProducts
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XPInternet ExplorerWindows LiveWindows Phone
ShopDownloadsHelp & How-to
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XPInternet ExplorerWindows LiveWindows Phone
Windows Community
Windows Vista Help homeTop solutionsUsing Windows VistaCommunity & forumsContact support

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.

Compare editions

See also

What to do if you lose your file encryption key

If you try to open an encrypted file and you get a message that access has been denied, your encryption key might be corrupted or missing. In this case, you must have a backup copy of your encryption key, or, if you're on a domain, your network administrator must have a recovery certificate. You can recover the encrypted files by restoring the encryption key with a backup copy, or by using a recovery certificate. If you don't have a backup copy of the key or a recovery certificate, you won't be able to access your files.

If you are connected to a domain, it is possible that a network administrator can restore your key.

Was this helpful?
Thank you.
Do you want to add anything else?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us to continually improve our content.
1200 400 How can we make this more helpful for you? Submit Skip this Do you want to add anything else? Submit No thanks