I have an 80 GB HDD which contain an encrypted folder with family pictures and videos.

This folder was encrypted by myself for 3-4 years ago.

The HDD was a slave hdd in my old computer and when I was re - formatting my master HDD I've loose my encryption key for the folder on the slave hdd.

I didn't take any backup of this key.I used encryption option in XP .

How can I get access to the files from that folder on the slave hdd?

Now i'm using Vista ,but i can install on a test computer xp if necessary ,for recovery the pictures and videos.

Any help,step-by-step guide,tips,3rd party encrypted file recovery software refferal it will be appreciated!

Dan ,Romania
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A+,Network+,MCP,MCSA 2003,CCNA 

common
nobody have an idea about this?
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A+,Network+,MCP,MCSA 2003,CCNA 

Patience Weed Hopper (said in my best Kung Fu's master's voice). Expecting a thoughtful response within 2 hours on a Saturday morning is a little, well, lacking in patience.

Here is a little reading on EFS:
EFS decryption without any original keys !!!
Decrypt Efs Encrypted Files
How to Decrypt EFS Files in Win XP Pro when OS is lost.  

You're the Saturday MAN!

Thanks a lot !
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A+,Network+,MCP,MCSA 2003,CCNA 

Encase supports decryption of EFS for locally authenticated users without the key.

Not sure if it will work in your case since it is a different computer.
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Larry E. Daniel DFCP, EnCE, BCE, ACE
Guardian Digital Forensics - Firm
Ex Forensis - Blog
Encase 101 - Blog
Digital Forensics for Legal Professionals - Book 

what if I move the folder to a FAT32 HDD?
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A+,Network+,MCP,MCSA 2003,CCNA 

- rono

what if I move the folder to a FAT32 HDD?

It is still encrypted.