14/03/2013 Create a recovery certificate for encrypted files

windows.microsoft.com/en-IE/windows-vista/Create-a-recovery-certificate-for-encrypted-files 1/3
Applies to Windows Vista
See al so
Recover encr ypted files or
folder s
Create a recovery certificate for encrypted
files
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.
A recovery certificate is a special Encrypting File System (EFS) certificate that, when it is properly created and installed, enables
you to recover encrypted files if your encryption key is lost or damaged. You need to create the recovery certificate, install it,
and then update previously encrypted files with the new recovery certificate.
Note
These steps cannot be completed on Windows Vista Starter, Windows Vista Home Basic, and Windows Vista Home
Premium.
Hide all
To cr eate a r ecover y cer tificate
We recommend storing your recovery certificate on removable media such as a CD or USB flash drive.
1. Open the Command Prompt window by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and
then clicking Command Prompt.
2. Plug in or insert the removable media that you're using to store your certificate.
3. Navigate to the directory on the removable media drive where you want to store the recovery certificate, type cipher
/r:file name (where file name is the name that you want to give to the recovery certificate), and then press ENTER.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Notes
Windows will store the certificate in the directory shown at the command prompt.
You should store the removable media containing the recovery certificate in a secure location, such as a locked desk
drawer.
To install the r ecover y cer tificate
1. Insert the removable media that contains your recovery certificate.
2. Open Local Security Policy by clicking the Start button , typing secpol.msc into the Search box, and then clicking
secpol. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide
confirmation.
3. Click Public Key Policies, right-click Encrypting File System, and then click Add Data Recovery Agent. This opens the
Add Recovery Agent wizard.
4. Click Next, and then navigate to your recovery certificate.

ME E T WI NDOWS DOWNL OAD & SHOP HOW- T O SUP P ORT Si gn i n

Instal l ati on Touch & search Personal i zati on Securi ty & accounts Apps & Wi ndows Store Web & networki ng Emai l & communi cati on
14/03/2013 Create a recovery certificate for encrypted files
windows.microsoft.com/en-IE/windows-vista/Create-a-recovery-certificate-for-encrypted-files 2/3
4. Click Next, and then navigate to your recovery certificate.
5. Click the certificate, and then click Open.
6. When you are asked if you want to install the certificate, click Yes, click Next, and then click Finish.
7. Open the Command Prompt window by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and
then clicking Command Prompt.
8. At the command prompt, type gpupdate, and then press ENTER.
To update pr eviously encr ypted files with the new r ecover y cer tificate
1. Log on to the account you were using when you first encrypted the files.
2. Open the Command Prompt window by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and
then clicking Command Prompt.
3. At the command prompt, type cipher /u, and then press ENTER.
If you choose not to update encrypted files with the new recovery certificate at this time, the files will automatically be
updated the next time you open them.
Li ke us on Facebook
Stay in touch with Windows.
Like 11m Facebook Twitter
Share thi s page
Get the word out. Share this page with your friends and family.
Was thi s page hel pful ?
Your feedback helps improve this site.
Yes Somewhat No
Vi si t our f ri ends
Offi ce
Xbox
Skype
Wi ndows Phone
Bi ng
Inf o f or
Devel opers
Desi gners
Smal l busi ness
Enterpri se
Students
Popul ar downl oads
Wi ndows downl oads
Wi ndows themes
Wal l papers
Free anti vi rus
Photo Gal l ery
Movi e Maker
Language packs
Wi ndows servi ce packs
Wi ndows Product Gui de
Products
Wi ndows 8
Wi ndows RT
Internet Expl orer
SkyDri ve
Outl ook. com
Wi ndows 7
Wi ndows Vi sta
Wi ndows XP
Hotmai l
Messenger
Mi crosof t Securi ty Essenti al s
Keep i n touch
The Wi ndows Bl og
Wi ndows newsl etter
Frequent searches
Upgrade Wi ndows
Mi crosof t account
Start screen
Wi ndows touch
Wi ndows Store
Onl i ne storage
Internet Expl orer 10
Wi ndows 8 system requi rements
Wi ndows Def ender
Support
Browse support by category
Browse support by product
Contact support
Mi crosof t Communi ty
Hel l o f rom Seattl e. 2013 Mi crosof t Di scl ai mers Terms of Use Trademarks Pri vacy & Cooki es Irel and