If a certificate used to encrypt data using Encrypting File System (EFS) is lost, the data cannot be recovered unless a key ...

If a certificate used to encrypt data using Encrypting File System (EFS) is lost, the data cannot be recovered unless a key recovery agent has been configured. Planning for and establishing a key archival and recovery plan based on Windows certification authority (CA) certificates can help you protect your organization's data resources from becoming irretrievable if the original EFS key is no longer accessible.