What is causing the 0x80071771 error?
We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategy that affected users have been using to resolve the problem. As it turns out, this particular error code is mostly encountered when the user tries to access a file that was previously created and encrypted on a different computer. This particular error message is mostly associated with files that have been encrypted with the Encrypting File System (EFS). This is a Windows built-in encryption that is widely being used to encrypt files and folders to protect them from unwanted access. This encryption system was designed to keep your confidential data from being accessed by threats or attacker with access to your computer. The thing is, once the file is encrypted, a certificate is required in order to access it from a different device. Because of this, an encrypted file can only be accessed on the machine that is was encrypted with no additional operations. With this in mind, there are two ways that you can access an encrypted file on a different computer:
By decrypting a file before moving it to a new computer.By moving the encrypted file to the new computer along with the certificate or encryption key.
If you’re currently looking for a way to resolve the 0x80071771 error, this article will provide you with a couple of troubleshooting steps. Chances are not every method featured below will be applicable to your scenario. Because of this, we advise you to follow the methods in the order that they are presented in and disregard those that can’t be replicated. You should eventually stumble upon a method that will resolve the issue for you.
Method 1: Obtaining full permission to access the file
One way that might allow you to access the encrypted file is to give yourself full permission to access the system files and then follow one of the internal decrypting methods to unlock the files. But keep in mind that this method will not work in those scenarios where the file was originally encrypted on a different machine. You’ll need to follow the steps below on the computer where the file was originally encrypted. Upon completing them, you will be able to move the file and open it on a different computer without encountering the 0x80071771 error. Several affected users have reported that they were able to resolve the 0x80071771 error by following the steps below. Here’s what you need to do: After completing the steps above, your computer just obtained full permissions to access the file. Next, follow the steps below to use an elevated Command Prompt to decrypt the file: If you’re still encountering the 0x80071771 Error – “The specified file could not be decrypted” issue when trying to open the file, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Importing the EFS File Encryption Certificate + Key in Windows 10
The only way that will allow you to open an encrypted file (EFS file) on a different computer is to import it along with the certificate and key. Any individual app that doesn’t have the appropriate file encryption key will not be able to open it. But in order for this method to be applicable, you need to have access to the computer that was used to encrypt the file and export the key + certificate. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:
Exporting the EFS Certificate + Key
The steps below will show you how to import the PFX file that is used for your file encryption certificate and the key used with the EFS on a different computer. There are two different methods that you can use to import that certificate + key. Both methods will work for any version of Windows 10, so follow whichever one is more convenable to your current situation:
Option One: Importing EFS File Encryption Certificate and key via PFX file
Option Two: Importing EFS File Encryption Certificate and key via Certificates Manager
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