Protected Storage - Windows Vista Service
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
This service also exists in Windows 7 and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Home Basic | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Home Premium | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Business | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Ultimate | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Protected Storage |
| Service name: | ProtectedStorage |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\lsass.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The Protected Storage service starts as LocalSystem and runs in a shared process of lsass.exe. If Protected Storage fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the ProtectedStorage service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Protected Storage will not start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Protected Storage
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreProtectedStorageWindowsVista.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the lsass.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.