Encrypting files during Win2000 backups may cause problems

With all the attention on the dangers of stolen data, more storage administrators are looking at encrypting files as a means of protecting their data.

Microsoft's Encrypted File System (EFS) is a function built into Windows in order to protect files. However, if you are trying to do backups with a Windows 2000 system, the backup may fail and you may get an Error 32 (sharing violation.)

This problem is caused when the version of Windows 2000 being used to run the backup software doesn't have the latest Service Pack (SP 3 or above) installed. The specific cause of the problem is that the OpenEncryptedFileRaw function needed to back up an encrypted file doesn't work under the earlier versions of Windows 2000.

Normally, a problem this obvious would have shown up a long time ago on a mature operating system like Windows 2000. However, some administrators are just running into it now because they have only recently started using EFS to encrypt their data.

According to Microsoft, the fix is simple. Install the latest Service Pack on the Windows 2000 system being used to run backups.

About the author: Rick Cook specializes in writing about issues related to storage and storage management.

More information from SearchWinSystems.com

  • Tip:

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login


This was first published in June 2006

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.

    Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

    Back to top