Remove file or folder encryption in Windows XP

Only the following people can decrypt an encrypted file:
1. The user who encrypted the file
2. Any user who was designated as a recovery agent before the file was encrypted
3. Any user who has the public key or private key for the recovery agent or the user who originally encrypted the file
4. Any user who has been granted access to the file

To remove encryption from a file, follow these steps:

1. Use Windows Explorer to locate the encrypted file that you want to decrypt.

2. Right-click the encrypted file--> and then click Properties.

3. On the General tab--> click Advanced.

4. Click to clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box--> click OK--> and then click OK again.

To remove encryption from a folder, follow these steps:

1. Use Windows Explorer to locate the encrypted folder that you want to decrypt.

2. Right-click the folder--> and then click Properties.

3. On the General tab--> click Advanced.

4. Click to clear the Encrypt contents to secure data check box--> click OK--> and then click OK again.

5. When you are prompted to confirm the attribute change:

a. If you want to decrypt only the folder--> click Apply the changes to this folder only--> and then click OK.
b. If you want to decrypt the folder and its subfolders and files--> click Apply changes to this folder subfolders and files--> and then click OK.