Folder encryption is the most reliable way to protect information provided by the Windows operating system. The user who encrypted the file can work with it in the same way as with other folders, but to guarantee access to the encrypted data, a backup copy of the certificate and encryption key is required.
Instructions
Step 1
Call the context menu of the folder or file to be encrypted and go to the "Properties" item.
Step 2
Select the General tab of the dialog box that opens and select Advanced.
Step 3
Check the box next to "Encrypt content to protect data" and click OK to confirm the encryption operation.
Step 4
Uncheck the "Encrypt content to protect data" checkbox and click OK to confirm the operation to decrypt the selected file or folder.
Step 5
Click the Start button to bring up the main system menu and enter the value certmgr.msc to launch the Certificate Manager tool to back up the EFS certificate of the encrypted folder.
Step 6
Press Enter to confirm the command and expand the Personal folder by clicking the arrow next to it.
Step 7
Navigate to the "Certificates" section and select a certificate listing "EFS" in "Assignments".
Step 8
Make sure the selected certificate is correct by scrolling to the right and apply this procedure to all existing EFS certificates.
Step 9
Select the All Tasks item in the Action menu of the upper toolbar of the application window and select the Export command.
Step 10
Click the Next button in the Export Wizard window that opens and select the Yes, export private key option.
Step 11
Click the Next button to apply the selected changes and expand the Personal Information Exchange File link.
Step 12
Click the Next button in the new dialog box and enter your password in the appropriate field.
Step 13
Confirm the computer administrator password by re-entering the confirmation field and click Next to create the certificate storage file.
Step 14
Specify the name of the selected file and the full path to it and click the "Finish" button.
