General Information
Allows for the saving of local passwords or even web sites information (AutoComplete). This service is set to Manual by default. Due to security reasons, I recommend leaving this “feature” disabled to make things all that much more difficult to steal vital information if you do not “save” it (even though the “safe” configuration lists it as the default value for the next reason). On the other hand, you may need this service to manage private keys for encryption purposes. If so, leave this service on Manual to ensure the “higher” security settings you choose work. If you disable this service, you will no longer have any of your passwords saved, no matter how many times you click the box. If you enjoy having your passwords saved in applications like Outlook or Dial up networking or you are connecting to the internet via a domain controller/server that requires authentication, set this service to Automatic.
Windows 7
Default Description
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
Additional Information
None at this time.
Default Startup Type
| OS | SP0 | SP1 |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 7 Starter | Manual (Started) | Manual |
| Windows 7 Home Basic | Manual (Started) | Manual |
| Windows 7 Home Premium | Manual (Started) | Manual |
| Windows 7 Professional | Manual (Started) | Manual |
| Windows 7 Ultimate | Manual (Started) | Manual |
| Windows 7 Enterprise | Manual (Started) | Manual |
Service Names
Service Name (registry): ProtectedStorage
Display Name: Protected Storage
Default Path and Command Line Options
C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe
Log On As
Account: Local System account
Dependencies
What service Protected Storage needs to function properly:
-
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (S, HB, HP, P, U, E)
- DCOM Server Process Launcher (S, HB, HP, P, U, E)
- RPC Endpoint Mapper (S, HB, HP, P, U, E)
What other service require Protected Storage to function properly:
- None (S, HB, HP, P, U, E)
Windows Vista
Default Description
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
Additional Information
None at this time.
Default Startup Type
| OS | SP0 | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Home Basic | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Vista Home Premium | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Vista Business | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Vista Ultimate | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Vista Enterprise | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Service Names
Service Name (registry): ProtectedStorage
Display Name: Protected Storage
Default Path and Command Line Options
C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe
Log On As
Account: Local System Account
Dependencies
What service Protected Storage needs to function properly:
-
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (HB, HP, B, U)
- DCOM Server Process Launcher (HB, HP, B, U)
What other service require Protected Storage to function properly:
- None (HB, HP, B, U)
Windows XP Pro x64
Default Description
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
Additional Information
None at this time.
Default Startup Type
| OS | SP0 | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XP Pro x64 | ? | ? | Automatic |
Service Names
Service Name (registry): ProtectedStorage
Display Name: Protected Storage
Default Path and Command Line Options
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
Log On As
Account: Local System Account (Allow service to interact with desktop)
Dependencies
What service Protected Storage needs to function properly:
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
What other service require Protected Storage to function properly:
- None
Windows XP
Default Description
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
Additional Information
None at this time.
Default Startup Type
| OS | SP0 | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XP Home | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) |
| XP MCE 2005 | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) |
| XP Pro | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) |
| XP Tablet PC 2005 | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) | Automatic (Started) |
Service Names
Service Name (registry): ProtectedStorage
Display Name: Protected Storage
Default Path and Command Line Options
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
Log On As
Account: Local System Account (Allow service to interact with desktop)
Dependencies
What service Protected Storage needs to function properly:
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (H, M, P, T)
What other service require Protected Storage to function properly:
- None (H, M, P, T)
Additional Reading
None at this time.