Quick Answer
The answer is `reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive`. This command is correct because `reg save` creates a binary copy of the specified registry hive, preserving the raw structure needed for offline password hash extraction. Unlike `reg export`, which outputs a human-readable text file, `reg save` produces a binary file that tools like `samdump2` or `secretsdump.py` can parse to extract NTLM hashes from the SAM hive after also saving the SYSTEM hive for the boot key. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to automate post-exploitation hash extraction after gaining SYSTEM-level access—a common trap is confusing `reg save` with `reg export`, which cannot be used for offline hash dumping. Remember the memory tip: “Save binary, export text” to quickly recall that `reg save` is the only option for creating a parseable hive file.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code 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.
A penetration tester is writing a Bash script to automate the extraction of password hashes from a Windows system after gaining SYSTEM-level access. The script uses 'reg.exe' to save the SAM and SYSTEM hives. Which command should the tester include in the script to export the SAM hive to a file?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive
reg save creates a binary copy of the hive, which can be used for offline extraction.
reg export HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why wrong: reg export exports the hive as a .reg text file, not a binary hive file suitable for hash extraction.
reg backup HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why wrong: reg backup is not a valid Windows command.
reg copy HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why wrong: reg copy is not a valid Windows command.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive
The correct command is 'reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive' because 'reg save' creates a binary copy of the specified registry hive, which is necessary for offline extraction of password hashes. The SAM hive contains the hashed credentials, and saving it as a file allows tools like 'samdump2' or 'secretsdump.py' to parse the hashes. The other options either export in a non-binary format or use a non-existent command.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why this is correct
reg save creates a binary copy of the hive, which can be used for offline extraction.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
reg export HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why it's wrong here
reg export exports the hive as a .reg text file, not a binary hive file suitable for hash extraction.
reg backup HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why it's wrong here
reg backup is not a valid Windows command.
reg copy HKLM\SAM sam.hive
Why it's wrong here
reg copy is not a valid Windows command.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'reg export' (which produces a human-readable text file) with 'reg save' (which produces a binary hive file), leading them to choose the export option for hash extraction.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
reg backup is not a valid Windows command.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'reg save' command writes the hive to a file in a binary format that mirrors the on-disk registry structure, including the encrypted hash data. Tools like 'secretsdump.py' from Impacket can then parse this file offline, leveraging the boot key from the SYSTEM hive to decrypt the hashes. In real-world engagements, this technique is used to avoid live memory dumping and to extract hashes stealthily from a compromised system.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
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
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive — The correct command is 'reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive' because 'reg save' creates a binary copy of the specified registry hive, which is necessary for offline extraction of password hashes. The SAM hive contains the hashed credentials, and saving it as a file allows tools like 'samdump2' or 'secretsdump.py' to parse the hashes. The other options either export in a non-binary format or use a non-existent command.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PT0-002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 PT0-002 exam.
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