What does NTSTATUS 0xC000028F (STATUS_WRONG_EFS) mean?

 
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STATUS_NO_EFS STATUS_NO_USER_KEYS

STATUS_WRONG_EFS

The loaded EFS provider cannot process this file

This status distinguishes provider or format incompatibility from a missing user private key. The file carries EFS metadata, but the currently loaded encryption implementation cannot interpret or service it as expected.

Preserve the original environment details, including Windows version, file-system source, migration path, and any third-party encryption or filter software. Re-encrypting or stripping attributes before successful decryption can destroy the only usable recovery path.

What to inspect

  • Identify the system and EFS provider that originally encrypted the file.
  • Compare EFS metadata and algorithm information without modifying the file.
  • Attempt recovery in a compatible, isolated environment using authorized keys and a verified copy.

References


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