ERROR_FILE_ENCRYPTED - 6002 (0x1772)
The specified file is encrypted and the user does not have the ability to decrypt it.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error code indicates that a file operation was attempted on an encrypted file, but the user does not have the necessary permissions to decrypt it. This can occur in various scenarios where encryption is used for security purposes.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_FILE_ENCRYPTED
- Numeric Code: 6002 (0x1772)
- Short Description: The specified file is encrypted and the user does not have the ability to decrypt it.
Usage Context
This error typically occurs when a program attempts to read, write, or modify an encrypted file without proper decryption capabilities. It can also be encountered during operations that require access to the contents of an encrypted file, such as copying or moving files between directories.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should handle this error by ensuring that users have the appropriate permissions and tools to decrypt any required files before performing sensitive operations. This might involve prompting for a decryption key or ensuring that the user has administrative privileges if necessary.
Related Errors
- ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND (32): The specified file could not be found, which may precede this error in some scenarios.
- ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED (5): Access to the file was denied due to insufficient permissions, which might occur before encountering encryption issues.
FAQ
Q: Why does my application receive this error?
A: The application attempted to access an encrypted file without the necessary decryption capabilities. Ensure that the user has the appropriate permissions or tools to decrypt the file.
Q: Can this error be avoided?
A: Yes, by ensuring that users have the required permissions and tools before attempting operations on encrypted files.
Summary
The ERROR_FILE_ENCRYPTED (6002) error indicates that a user does not have the necessary decryption capabilities to access an encrypted file. Developers should handle this error by validating user permissions and providing appropriate prompts or tools for decryption.