I suggest you forget about restoring your encrypted file in this case. Minutes (32-bit key) up to infinity to crack your password (assuming brute force method).
![]() 5 file types use the .enc file extension.
File Type 1Encoded File
What is an ENC file?
An ENC file is a generic encoded file that may use one of several different types of proprietary or standard encodings. It is encoded to help protect the file from unauthorized use, or to help set up the file for a particular use, such as Internet transfer.
ENC files may be encoded in the .UUE format, which can be opened with a program such as StuffIt Deluxe. However, ENC files that use a proprietary encoding can only be opened by the program that encoded the file.
Unknown files on your Mac? Try File Viewer.
Programs that open ENC files
Updated 1/26/2018
File Type 2Electronic Navigation Chart File
.ENC File Association 2
Navigational chart format used by the Office of Coast Survey (OCS); also referred to as NOAA ENC files, which stands for 'National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration' (NOAA) 'Electronic Navigation Chart' (ENC) files.
The NOAA ENC file format is defined by the International Hydrographic Organization S-57 standard. ENC data is used to support marine transportation infrastructure and coastal management.
NOAA ENC files are saved as a database of chart features. Information saved in an ENC file includes the location of each chart feature, as well as attributes such as color, shape, depth, etc.
File Type 3Cabal Online Data File
.ENC File Association 3
Data file used by Cabal Online, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG); commonly located in the data directory of the software installation; can be named cabal.enc or one of several other names.
Corrupt ENC files have been known to cause issues when loading Cabal Online, sometimes after applying game patches. Some users have had success resolving this issue by fully uninstalling and reinstalling the software.
File Type 4Encore Musical Notation File
.ENC File Association 4
Musical score created by Encore, a program used to compose music; may contain instruments, notes, lyrics, time signatures, and key signatures, as well as the title and composer information; used to store compositions and print musical scores.
Encore can import and export standard Music XML files to integrate with other musical notation programs. The software also supports high-quality prints using PostScript and TrueType technologies.
File Type 5Copysafe Protected PDF File
.ENC File Association 5
Copy-protected .PDF file created with CopySafe PDF software; prevents images and text from being copied and protects against Printscreen and screen capture commands; may also include printing protection, password protection, and date expiration.
Are you trying to open some files on your computer that are encrypted? Windows will usually designate encrypted file or folder names with the color green instead of the normal black text.
Note: If you are reading this post looking for information on decrypting files that were encrypted by CryptoLocker, this won’t help. You pretty much have to pay the ransom and hope they actually send you the encryption keys.
When encrypting files and folders, Windows will use a self-generated certificate that contains keys used to encrypt and decrypt the data. When opening encrypted data when logged into the user account that generated the certificate, the decryption process is transparent and the files are opened normally.
However, if another user or system tries to access those same data files or if the files are moved to another location, then they cannot be opened unless the original certificate is installed.
In either case, one thing you have to remember about encrypting and decrypting files in Windows is that you always need the encryption certificates/keys. When you encrypt a file or folder in Windows, encryption keys are automatically created and associated with your user account.
In Windows 7 and higher, you’ll actually get a prompt asking you to backup your encryption key (EFS certificate).
You should definitely do this immediately. If you do not have these encryption keys, you will not be able to decrypt the data. Unfortunately, there is no way around this since the encryption is very strong and cannot be broken easily.
If you can still access the computer where the data was originally encrypted, you can try exporting the certificate and then importing it on a different machine.
Backing Up EFS Certificates
There are a couple of ways to backup file encryption certificates and I’ll mention them below. The first way is to click on Start and type in certificate.
Click on Manage user certificates and this will open up the certificates for the current user. In Windows 7, you can also type in certmgr.msc and press Enter to open the certificate manger.
Now expand Personal and then click on Certificates. You should see all the certificates listed in the right pane. There might only be one, but if not, the only certificates you are interested in are the ones that have Encrypting File System listed under Intended Purposes.
Right-click on the certificate, choose All Tasks and then click on Export.
This will open the Certificate Export Wizard, which is the same place you will reach if you click on Back up now (recommended) when prompted by Windows.
On the next screen, you will want to select Yes, export the private key along with the certificate. If you don’t have the private key, you won’t be able to decrypt any of the encrypted files.
On the next screen, you have to choose the format you want to use to export the certificate. Personal Information Exchange should already be selected and you can leave it with just the first box checked.
Since this certificate contains a private key, you are required to protect it using a password. Check the Password box and type in a strong password.
Finally, click Browse and choose a location where you want to save the file. It is highly recommended you do not save the file onto the computer itself. If something happens to the PC, then you lose the key along with it.
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Also, give your file a name that is helpful for you, but not super obvious to others what it is. For example, don’t name it EFS key like I did below!
Click next and then click Finish. Your private encryption key is now saved as a file. You can now take this file and import it on any other Windows machine. Importing is really easy. All you have to do is double-click on the file and it will open up the Certificate Import Wizard.
Once you import the certificate, you will be able to decrypt any files that were encrypted with that certificate. As previously mentioned, if you are trying to open encrypted files and you don’t have or can’t find the certificate anymore, then those files are basically gone.
Some programs state they can decrypt your files for a hefty price, but they have never worked for me and that’s why I haven’t listed any of them here. If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment. Enjoy!
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