On a Windows Vista based computer that runs Symantec AntiVirus 10.2 client, you enable EFS for documents on the Desktop or in the Documents folder. After you reboot the computer and log on again, the encrypted files cannot be decrypted.

The problem does not occur when folders are encrypted in other locations.

Also, when Symantec AntiVirus is uninstalled the problem goes away.

Consider the following scenario:

• A third-party cryptographic service provider (CSP) is installed on a computer that is running Windows Vista.
• You log on to the system by using a smart card that stores the user credentials and the Encrypting File System (EFS) certificate.
• You try to encrypt files or to decrypt files by using EFS.

In this scenario, you receive the following warning message:

Windows has encountered a critical problem and will restart automatically in one minute. Please save your work now.

Then, the system automatically restarts.

Consider the following scenario. In Windows Vista, you use Encrypting File System (EFS) to create an EFS-encrypted file. Or, you edit an EFS-encrypted file in Windows Vista. Then, you try to open the file in Microsoft Windows XP or in Microsoft Windows Server 2003. In this scenario, you receive an error message that resembles the following:

Access is denied

You cannot open an EFS-encrypted file in Windows XP or in Windows Server 2003 after the file has been opened in Windows Vista.

You use the Back up files option in the Backup and Restore Center in Windows Vista. However, files are not backed up that are encrypted by using the Encrypting File System (EFS).

Note: The Back up computer option in Windows Vista correctly backs up and restores EFS-encrypted files.