How to backup the recovery key

To backup the local administrator's private key:

(The following is from Microsoft)

WARNING: After you export the private key to a disk, store the disk in a secure place. If someone gains access to your EFS private key, he or she can gain access to your encrypted data.

  1. Log on to your computer using the local Administrator account.

    NOTE: You must use the built-in Administrator account, not just an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Click Start, click Run, type secpol.msc, and then click OK.
  3. Click the plus sign (+) next to Public Key Policies to expand this item.
  4. Click the Encrypted Data Recovery Agents category.
  5. In the right-hand pane, a certificate that is issued to "Administrator" with an intended purpose of "file recovery" is displayed. Right-click this item, and then click All tasks > export.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Ensure the Yes, export the private key option is selected, and then click Next.
  8. In the Export File Format dialog box, if you want to remove the private key associated with the Administrator account, click to select the Delete the private key if the export is successful check box.
  9. Click Next.
  10. Type and confirm a password to secure the exported key, and then click Next.
  11. You are prompted to save the certificate and the private key to a file. You should back up the file to a disk or removable media device, and then store the backup in a location where physical security of the backup is ensured. Type an appropriate file name, and then click Next.
  12. When the Completing the Certificate Export Wizard dialog box is displayed, verify the options that you selected, and then click Finish .
  13. When the The export was successful dialog box is displayed, click OK.
  14. You must restart your computer to complete the removal of the private key.