I have a file that I encrypted on an XP SP3 machine I no longer have access to. I am not able to get the Cert but I do know the private key for it (I think anyway :-/). I can not move/copy/open this file. "Excel cannot access 'PWList.xls'. The document may be read-only or encrypted." is the message I get. I changed the owner to me and then tried to add my new Cert (File >> Properties >> Advanced >> Details >> Add) but then get an error message. This states "To add users to this file, you must have access to the file and Write or Modify permission for it". Well I have all 3. The file is on my USB drive attached to this Win7 PC. I have full access and permissions that I can tell yet I can't even move the file. What am I missing here?

Hi, Please seek assisstance at: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-GB/excel/threadsMohammed Imtiyaz Ali

Mohammed, Thanks but this issue goes beyond Excel. Sure the files are xlsx but I can't even move/copy these files due to the encryption. The issue has more to do with EFS than with Excel. Knowing this, do you still recommend posting under excel? I can't see that being the right place. Thank you, -Steve

Hi, The only way to open EFS file in another machine is exporting and importing the certificates. It doesnt matter with files permission. You may refer the following links: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/sag_cmimportexport.mspx?mfr=true http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Import-or-export-certificates-and-private-keysKim Zhou TechNet Community Support

Hi, The only way to open EFS file in another machine is exporting and importing the certificates. It doesnt matter with files permission. You may refer the following links: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/sag_cmimportexport.mspx?mfr=true http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Import-or-export-certificates-and-private-keysKim Zhou TechNet Community Support