Vista - ** Unusual Request **

Hey all,
Just googled this forum and am so thankful it is out here! Here's my situation:
I am in the Army and have an issue with file encryption. I am knowledgable in computers (OS's, software, hardware) but lack any encryption smarts!
We recently updated to WIN VISTA Enterprise. We also log into each computer using our ID cards that contain our personal keys or codes on them in the form of a chip. Recently, DOD directed that all its computers will have an encrypted folder on the desktops and that all data with sensitive info. be placed into that folder. I complied with the regulation and proceeded to place my MS OUTLOOK.PST and personal email file.PST into the folder. The next day I went to replace my expired ID Card. I came into work, logged onto my laptop, and could not (and still cannot) access my personal email folder that is encrypted.
Several peeps from our D.O.I.M. (Directorate Of Information Management) have tried and now they tell me its locked forever because my old ID card was used to encrypt it. I have the old key available (the Army actually backed that up for me) and have tried accessing my personal email file using that key to no avail. (It was a lengthy process and I can't remember all the steps but we did use the old key but apparently it will NOT work with my new ID Card)
Is there a way to decrypt this file? The Army is out of ideas!

I hope this is enough info.
Thanks for your help!

Zach

Hello CAVPILOT & welcome,
See if this tutorial holds any clue for you & The Army.

Encrypt or Decrypt a Folder or File

Please post back & let us know how it goes.

Zach the tutorial JMH suggests will help but I suspect you are SOL. The DOD encryption can be broken with super computers and lots of time but it is a very strong DES algorithm. Unless the army can re-activate your old card (I assume your user id has stayed the same) its bullet proof

Ken

No doubt that's how it's designed to be.

At least thats what we hope. Im sure zach wihes it wasn't so. what did you lose zach? If its your persona; e-mail its probably backed up somewhere on the internet

Ken

S.O.L., ummmm, yeah, that's why it only took DOIM about 10 mins. to get in touch with me and let me know I was S.O.L.!
It was my personal email only, but I had semi-important emails relating to work. The server on Fort Hood does save emails, but space is very limited, thus the reason for saving them to a personal file.
The problem lies within the way DOIM initiates these damn directives...there was absolutely no guidance to us users on what NOT to put into the encrypted folder, but to just DO IT ! It seems I'm not the only one on Post that ran into this so now, AFTER the fact, DOIM publishes the following guideline..."do NOT place personal email files into the DAR folder!" WTF??? A little late, dontcha' think!?!
Maybe I should call NORAD!? hahahahaha
Thanks to all! Just wanted a "second opinion" since the first opinion came from a Gov't agency!!!

I read the tutorial earlier JMH and d/l the proggy. I am going to try it out soon...couldn't hurt, right?

cavipilot

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but. If particular e-mails are important the recipiant might have a copy stored on their server.

Sorry I couldn't help

Ken

Sounds like one of our Government directives here, followed by a similar result & follow up. [Oops who said that?]

JMH, right!
BTW, i sent your reply to the Whitehouse "snitch" website!!

Ouch!!!!! Glad my passport is 'alive'.