Protected Storage (ProtectedStorage) Service Defaults in Windows 7
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | Protected Storage |
| Service name: | ProtectedStorage |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\lsass.exe |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ProtectedStorage |
Default Behavior
Protected Storage is a Win32 service. In Windows 7 it won't be started if the user doesn't start it. When the Protected Storage service is started, it is running as LocalSystem in a shared process of lsass.exe. Other system components, such as drivers and services, may run in the same process. If Protected Storage fails to start, Windows 7 attempts to write the failure details into Event Log. Then Windows 7 startup should proceed and the user should be notified that the ProtectedStorage service is not running because of the error.
Dependencies
Protected Storage is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of Protected Storage
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Protected Storage depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config ProtectedStorage start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The ProtectedStorage service is using the lsass.exe file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 7 installation media.