xp pro encrypted files question

[Xenarchy]

I encrypted some files using the built-in bit that windows xp pro (and probably home) has. Now me not thinking did a reformat the other day, and went to access said files and realized oh look I can't open them. Is there anyway to unencrypt them? Or are they lost forever?

[da sponge]

lost forever unless you backed up your private key before you formatted. this is exactly how it is designed to work.

[Ranma_Sao]

They're gone. If you backed up your key, you can reimport it, but otherwise, sorry.

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