Smallvoid.com

Description:

Is used to encrypt and store secure information like this

• SSL certificates
• Passwords for programs (like Outlook, Outlook Express, etc.)
• Info stored by Profile Assistant
• Info maintained by MS Wallet
• Digitally signed S/MIME keys.

Note if this service is set to manual it will cause Outlook Express to take a long time to start, because it has to wait for this service to load first.

Note if this service is stopped or disabled, private keys will be inaccessible, certificate server will not operate, S/MIME & SSL will not work and smart card logon will fail.

Note if Protected Storage becomes corrupt, then it might fail to start or fail to provide services. To reset Protected Storage:

1. Boot in safemode
2. Execute this command:

   net stop ProtectedStorage

3. Move the contents of the this folder to another folder for safe keeping:

   C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\S-1-5-18
   
   More Info MS KB Q246183
   

4. Delete the following registry key (If it exists):

   [HKEY_USERS \.DEFAULT \Software \Microsoft \Cryptography \Providers \Type 001]
   
   More Info MS KB Q312028
   

5. Restart Windows

More Info MS KB Q216382
More Info MS KB Q264033
More Info MS KB Q264672
More Info MS KB Q275465 (Replaces Q259416)
More Info MS KB Q290684
More Info MS KB Q306895

Recommended State:

• Automatic, if using Internet Explorer or Outlook then this is a necessary evil.

Default State:

• WinNT4/Win2k/WinXP/Win2k3: Automatic
• Vista: Manual

Process Name:

• Win2k/WinNT4+IE4: services.exe (ProtectedStorage)
• WinXP/Win2k3/Vista: lsass.exe (ProtectedStorage)

Supports:

• Wireless Configuration (Win2k SP4+ only)

Depends:

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)