Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Strange temporary "Access denied" error accessing encrypted files

Strange EFS encryption issue with temporary certificate creation and access denied errors.

Quick Answer: Check for newly created certificates in the system, and try exporting and re-importing the correct one to resolve the issue.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The 'Access denied' error when trying to access encrypted files in Windows 7 x64 is a frustrating issue that can occur after a system reboot. The problem affects only a few randomly selected files, and there are no apparent changes or issues in a long time.

This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue by identifying the root cause and providing two primary fix methods.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The file was encrypted to a different certificate according to the certificate thumbprint shown in the dialog that pops up when you click 'Details' in the 'Advanced Attributes' dialog. This is a common issue known as 'certificate mismatch',

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Certificate Mismatch Fix

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the 'Advanced Attributes' dialog for the affected file and note down the thumbprint of the certificate shown.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Open the 'certmgr.msc' utility to view all installed certificates. Look for a new EFS certificate that was created recently, with a thumbprint matching the one seen in Step 1.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Export the new EFS certificate using the export wizard. If an error occurs during export, try deleting the exported file and retrying the process.
  4. Step 4: Step 4: After exporting the correct certificate, re-encrypt the affected files using this new certificate.
  5. Step 5: Step 5: Verify that the files can be accessed successfully after re-encryption.

EFS Certificate Reconfiguration

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the 'Computer Management' utility and navigate to 'System Tools' > 'Shared Folders' > 'Ciphers'.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Look for the EFS encryption settings and click on the 'Properties' button.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: In the 'EFS Encryption Settings' window, click on the 'Change' button next to the affected file's path.
  4. Step 4: Step 4: Select the correct certificate from the list of available certificates and click 'OK'.
  5. Step 5: Step 5: Verify that the files can be accessed successfully after re-configuration.

🎯 Final Words

The 'Access denied' error when trying to access encrypted files in Windows 7 x64 is often caused by a certificate mismatch. By following one of the two primary fix methods outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to your encrypted files.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid