Recover EFS key

Hi, I recently forgot to backup the EFS key from Win 1709 and upgraded my system parts and installed Win 20H2. Now I cannot open my encrypted files, they are not essential but would be pleased to try and retrieve them.

Luckily,

1) I have those files on my D:/ backup drive, which is not altered.
2) I installed new system on a new disk, cpu, mobo. Which is, I have the old OS disk and system unaltered.

So can I export the key without booting old disk? Or do I have to build the old system again, boot and get it (which I will eventually for my brother but will take time)?

edit: I went for the latter (building old system again) and its all OK.

For clarity what is an EFS key? Are you talking about BitLocker?

I believe that you have no option but to boot the old system in order to export its EFS key.

Enable or Disable NTFS File Encryption - TenForumsTutorials
Encrypt Files and Folders with Encrypting File System (EFS) - TenForumsTutorials
Decrypt Files and Folders with EFS - TenForumsTutorials
Import Your EFS Certificate and Key - TenForumsTutorials

Denis

sygnus21 said:

For clarity what is an EFS key? Are you talking about BitLocker?

No not the bitlocker. I simply encrypted some files in properties -> secure the file, that is with using Encryption File System of Windows. And forgot to export the key for backup purposes.

Try3 said:

I believe that you have no option but to boot the old system in order to export its EFS key.

Even though I have the old /users folder ready and the whole disk? Cant it be done without booting?

Thanks for the clarity. I'll leave you with Try3

Peace

Xtreme512 said:

Even though I have the old /users folder ready and the whole disk? Cant it be done without booting?

Try3 said:

I believe that you have no option but to boot the old system in order to export its EFS key.

Denis

Try3, EFS is married to a specific user account as well, correct? And, the Windows used in the creation of those files?

RolandJS said:

Try3, EFS is married to a specific user account as well, correct? And, the Windows used in the creation of those files?

Roland,

All is explained in the tutorials.

Denis