tag:gpgtools.tenderapp.com,2011-11-04:/discussions/feedback/4572-restored-laptop-didnt-back-up-keys-now-cant-decrypt-messagesGPGTools: Discussion 2018-02-26T14:06:08Ztag:gpgtools.tenderapp.com,2011-11-04:Comment/439761112017-11-08T16:40:53Z2017-11-08T16:40:53ZRestored laptop, didn't back up keys. Now can't decrypt messages.<div><p>Hi Tommy,</p>
<p>welcome to the GPGTools support platform. Sorry you are having problems using GPG Suite.</p>
<p>Do you have any backup of your mac prior to restoring it?</p>
<p>This <a href="https://gpgtools.tenderapp.com/kb/gpg-keychain-faq/how-to-revoke-a-key-or-user-id-and-can-i-delete-a-key-from-the-key-servers#lost-access-to-secret-key-or-password">KB article</a> explains your options, in case you lost access to your secret key or password.</p>
<p>Take your time to go through that KB article, especially the section about <strong>Lost access to secret key or password</strong>. The other important section is <strong>3. Revoke key</strong>: "If your key was created with GPG Suite 2015.06 or later, a revocation certificate can be found at ~/.gnupg/RevCerts. In that case revocation is easy." That section has exact steps how to proceed in that case.</p>
<p>But since you completely wiped your mac, the revocation certificate will be gone as well. Without the secret key, you will be unable to decrypt any messages encrypted with the corresponding public key part.</p>
<p>If you are positive there is no backup, your best bet will be to create a new key and share that new key with your friends.</p>
<p>We'd highly recommend setting up some backup infrastructure to prevent such situations in the future.</p>
<p>OpenPGP is not a web-service you sign into. The keys are generated locally on your mac. We are not storing nor do we have access to any of your key information.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have further questions or need assistance moving forward.</p>
<p>Best,<br>
steve</p></div>Stevetag:gpgtools.tenderapp.com,2011-11-04:Comment/439761112018-02-26T14:05:39Z2018-02-26T14:05:39ZRestored laptop, didn't back up keys. Now can't decrypt messages.<div><p>Closing, since no further user feedback was received. Should your problem persist, feel free to re-open this discussion any time.</p>
<p>All the best, steve</p></div>Steve