How Can I Retrieve WD 2TB Passport Encrypted Files?

VinceB · 10 Nov 2018

Hi Group:

My WD Passport was first attached to my XP PC, which is now defunct. I made several folders/directories encrypted. I am able to see the attribute DAE next to the folder of interest Name within File Manager.

Is it possible, now that the Passport is connected to a Win10-64 OS, to retrieve those encrypted files? Can some one provide a procedure for me to follow to accomplish this task?

(If I am successful in retrieving the files, then my plan is to wipe the Passport drive clean and put it into a backup storage scheme along with the recently purchased Seagate 5TB Backup Plus Hub drive. )

Regards,
VinceB.

NavyLCDR · 10 Nov 2018

Usually the encryption is performed by use of a certificate file which contains the key to decrypting it. Unless you saved the certificate file which could be imported into Windows 10 to decrypt the files, you are probably out of luck. Although, more than than likely, the NSA could probably decrypt it, in the interest of national security, of course.

VinceB · 10 Nov 2018

NavyLCDR said:

Usually the encryption is performed by use of a certificate file which contains the key to decrypting it. Unless you saved the certificate file which could be imported into Windows 10 to decrypt the files, you are probably out of luck. Although, more than than likely, the NSA could probably decrypt it, in the interest of national security, of course.

I do have the password that was used at the time for accessing the WD MyPassport drive. Is that password is of any help to me now?
I don't recall any type of certificate or any other associated file.

Bree · 10 Nov 2018

VinceB said:

I do have the password that was used at the time for accessing the WD MyPassport drive. Is that password is of any help to me now?

It would seem likely that if you used the WD encryption software then the password should let you decrypt the files. See if this helps...

Setting up and using WD Security and WD Drive Utilities | WD Support

LMiller7 · 10 Nov 2018

Just to be clear. Were these files encrypted with NTFS encryption or something else? It can make a big difference.

The moral of the story is clear. You must have backups of all important files. Encrypted files are no exception. You just need to take proper precautions with the backup media.

VinceB · 10 Nov 2018

LMiller7 said:

Just to be clear. Were these files encrypted with NTFS encryption or something else? It can make a big difference.

Too long ago for me to recall much. But, I am fairly certain that I used WD software to make the folders/Files have the DAE attribute.

VinceB · 10 Nov 2018

Bree said:

It would seem likely that if you used the WD encryption software then the password should let you decrypt the files. See if this helps...

Setting up and using WD Security and WD Drive Utilities | WD Support

I am in the process of installing the WD Security software now on this Win10x64-Home PC.