Hi,In Word 2003 using XP 2003 SP 3 some files have a $EFS file type even though the Advanced file properties do not have Encryption checked off. The files open with gibberrish text and a "file converter" box (I have latest converter).These are local files but we use XP Server 2003.The files opened fine until the hard drive crashed. I retrieved alot of data off old drive. Could the security keys\certificates be missing?...could it be virus or file corruption? what is best method to retrieve them? Any other ideas would be appreciated!thanks!JAMESP1 person needs an answerI do too

It is likely that these files were EFS encrypted on your old drive. The certificates to decrypt would be lost if you replaced the drive and reinstalled Windows with anything other than an image-style backup. The best method to retrieve them would be from the backup that should have been made after EFS was first used as is recommended in the Best Practices KB article:"Best practices for the Encrypting File System" < http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316 >(See paragraph "Why you must back up your certificates")If you backed up enough data, there is a program that claims to be able to rebuild certificates if enough remnants remain. Google for AEFSDR. I have no experience with this product.HTH, JW