Decrypt EFS Files in New Windows 10 System

Hello Everybody,

I know this is a long shot but it is my final attempt. I'll try to be brief:
I previously ran my Windows 10 on a laptop with HDD. During that time, I encrypted some files using EFS.
Then, I decided to switch over to a SSD. I backed up all my files, then took out the HDD, put in the new SSD & clean installed Windows 10. Next, I (stupidly) dban'ed the HDD and installed it in another laptop to run a different OS.

Now, I am unable to open or decrypt the EFS encrypted files because the encryption certificates are obviously no longer in the new Windows 10 system. I have tried using command prompt but it couldn't successfully decrypt the files.

Does anyone know of any other ways or software that's powerful enough to decrypt the EFS encrypted files (I know this is a stupid question because if there was, then EFS will not be good enough an encryption tool), or do I really have to forget about those files completely?


Regards,
Andrew

Andrew, do you have any backups from prior to DBANing that disk? If not a backup of the data itself, any backup or alternate location where you may have saved that EFS cert? If not, then I am afraid you are done. Sorry.

Hello hsehestedt,

I have those EFS encrypted files backed up, I just cannot open or decrypt them.

Do you know of a way to decrypt them outside of their encryption OS environment?


Regards,
Andrew

Sorry, I should have been a bit clearer...

Is your backup a disk image backup or does it it include the EFS Certificate itself?