Microsoft KB Archive/934172

= Files that are encrypted by using the Encrypting File System (EFS) are not backed up when you use the “Back up files” option in Windows Vista =

Article ID: 934172

Article Last Modified on 3/14/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Ultimate

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SYMPTOMS
You use the Back up files option in the Backup and Restore Center in Windows Vista. However, files are not backed up that are encrypted by using the Encrypting File System (EFS).

Note The Back up computer option in Windows Vista correctly backs up and restores EFS-encrypted files.



CAUSE
This issue occurs because the Back up files option does not support backing up EFS-encrypted files.

Note The Back up files option backs up individual files, while the Back up computer option makes a backup image of your whole computer. This backup image makes it possible to recover from a hardware failure.



WORKAROUND
To work around this issue, use either of the following methods.

Method 1
Create a backup with Windows Complete PC Backup. Use the Back up computer option in the Backup and Restore Center. To do this, follow these steps:
 * 1) Click Start vistastartbutton.jpg], type backup in the Start Search box, and then click Backup and Restore Center in the Programs list.
 * 2) In the Backup and Restore Center window, click Back up computer.

Note When you run Back up computer the second time and successive times, only an incremental backup image of the computer is created.

Method 2
Use another program to back up EFS-encrypted files.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.

Keywords: kbinfo kbtshoot kbprb KB934172

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