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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?

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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?

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.

A

Best answer

reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive

reg save creates a binary copy of the hive, which can be used for offline extraction.

B

Distractor review

reg export HKLM\SAM sam.hive

reg export exports the hive as a .reg text file, not a binary hive file suitable for hash extraction.

C

Distractor review

reg backup HKLM\SAM sam.hive

reg backup is not a valid Windows command.

D

Distractor review

reg copy HKLM\SAM sam.hive

reg copy is not a valid Windows command.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
  • Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

  • Underline the problem statement mentally.
  • 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.

Related practice questions

Related PT0-002 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

More questions from this exam

Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this PT0-002 question test?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive — The correct command is 'reg save HKLM\SAM sam.hive'. The 'reg save' command saves a registry hive to a file. 'reg export' exports registry keys as text, not binary hives. 'reg backup' and 'reg copy' are not valid Windows commands.

What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?

Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.

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