# "CryptUnprotectData" workaround

**URL:** <https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/cryptunprotectdata-workaround/3712>\
**Category:** Troubleshooting and Bugs\
**Created:** [May 14, 2021, 6:04am UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/cryptunprotectdata-workaround/3712 "2021-05-14T06:04:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 1

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**Author:** ![Philipp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/46a35a/32.png) [@Philipp](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/u/Philipp)\
**Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 6:04am UTC](https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/cryptunprotectdata-workaround/3712/1 "2021-05-14T06:04:06Z")

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Hi guys,

Since it looks like I’m not the only one with this problem, I’m posting my solution here since it’s a little easier to find here than on facebook. When this error occurs, it was previously necessary to delete the preferences file, which is annoying because then many preferences have to be redone. With my Workaraound this is not necessary.Maybe it will help Nate to find the cause of the problem.  
Now to my solution.  
Before opening Lightoom, the preferences file must be opened as a text document. It is located here:  
C:\Users\Philipp\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Preferences  
and is called: “Lightroom Classic CC 7 Preferences”.

Now you need to delete the following lines as shown in the picture. After that save the file and close it. Now Lightroom can be started.

I hope this helps, greetings Philipp.

 ![preferences](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/negativelabpro/original/2X/e/e95e490f6638fd6d685f313ba53b1560479cb99d.jpeg)

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