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windows-7encrypting-file-system

How to restore the deleted EFS certificate


I accidently deleted EFS (Encrypting File System) certificate by using the properties form in the Internet Explorer and now I don't have access to my encrypted files.

Is there any option to restore the certificate?

I can see this certificate in the system but when I imported it back, it is not shown that the certificate has a private key.

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Solution

  • In my case, I found another version of the same certificate in certmgr.msc and luckily this version has a private key. I exported the certificate and then imported it into the personal folder. The access to the encrypted files was restored.