- A
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell
Why wrong: This is for file associations, not persistence via Run.
- B
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM Run key is a common persistence location.
- C
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppInit_DLLs
Why wrong: AppInit_DLLs is a different persistence mechanism.
- D
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Why wrong: This key stores service configurations, not Run keys.
- E
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU Run key is also a common persistence location.
Question 947 of 1,000
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An analyst is investigating a Windows host that likely has malware persistence via the registry. Which TWO registry hives are commonly used to store Run keys for user logon persistence? (Select 2)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
The Run keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run are standard locations where Windows executes programs automatically at user logon. Malware commonly writes entries to these keys to achieve persistence, making them critical for host-based analysis.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell
Why it's wrong here
This is for file associations, not persistence via Run.
- ✓
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
HKLM Run key is a common persistence location.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppInit_DLLs
Why it's wrong here
AppInit_DLLs is a different persistence mechanism.
- ✗
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Why it's wrong here
This key stores service configurations, not Run keys.
- ✓
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
HKCU Run key is also a common persistence location.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between Run keys (user logon persistence) and other registry locations like AppInit_DLLs or Services, so candidates must know that only the Run paths under HKLM and HKCU are correct for this specific persistence method.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Run keys execute with the privileges of the logged-on user; HKLM\...\Run applies to all users, while HKCU\...\Run applies only to the current user. Malware often uses both to ensure persistence across user sessions, and analysts can use tools like Autoruns or reg query to enumerate these keys. A subtle behavior is that entries under these keys can point to alternate data streams or hidden files, complicating detection.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run — The Run keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run are standard locations where Windows executes programs automatically at user logon. Malware commonly writes entries to these keys to achieve persistence, making them critical for host-based analysis.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.
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