Quick Answer
The answer is UserAssist and Prefetch files. These two artifacts are the most reliable sources for identifying recently executed programs on a Windows system because Prefetch files store execution count and timestamps for application launches, while the UserAssist registry key logs programs run from the Start Menu or desktop, capturing both the last execution time and run count. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between volatile and non-volatile evidence of program execution, often appearing as a multiple-choice trap where candidates mistakenly choose the Windows Event Log or Jump Lists instead. A common memory tip is to think of Prefetch as the system’s “speed optimizer” that remembers every launch, and UserAssist as the “user’s assistant” that tracks GUI-based clicks—together, they form a complete timeline of executed applications.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. 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 forensic analyst is investigating a Windows system and wants to identify recently executed programs. Which TWO artifacts should the analyst examine?
MRU lists
Why wrong: MRU lists track recently used files, not program execution.
Prefetch files
Prefetch files record execution information for applications.
UserAssist
UserAssist records program launches from the GUI.
ShellBags
Why wrong: ShellBags track folder view settings, not program execution.
Jump lists
Why wrong: Jump lists show recently accessed files per application, not execution.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Prefetch files
Prefetch files and UserAssist registry keys are both used to track program execution. Prefetch stores execution count and timestamps; UserAssist logs programs launched from the Start Menu or desktop.
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.
MRU lists
Why it's wrong here
MRU lists track recently used files, not program execution.
Prefetch files
Why this is correct
Prefetch files record execution information for applications.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
UserAssist
Why this is correct
UserAssist records program launches from the GUI.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ShellBags
Why it's wrong here
ShellBags track folder view settings, not program execution.
Jump lists
Why it's wrong here
Jump lists show recently accessed files per application, not execution.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Jump lists show recently accessed files per application, not execution.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI 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
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Prefetch files — Prefetch files and UserAssist registry keys are both used to track program execution. Prefetch stores execution count and timestamps; UserAssist logs programs launched from the Start Menu or desktop.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CHFI exam.
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