The correct answer is the Run keys under HKCU and HKLM, specifically HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, because these registry locations are designed to launch programs automatically each time a user logs on, making them a primary target for malware seeking persistence. Malware authors exploit these keys to ensure their code executes without user intervention, often by adding a value pointing to a malicious executable. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between true persistence mechanisms and artifacts like Prefetch files or SAM hive data, which serve different forensic purposes. A common trap is confusing Services keys—while services can provide persistence, they reside under SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services, not as direct "Run" keys, so the question specifically targets the Run and RunOnce paths. Remember the mnemonic "Run for user, Run for machine" to recall that HKCU applies to the current user and HKLM applies to all users, both being classic startup vectors.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
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 for evidence of malware persistence. Which TWO registry locations are commonly used by malware to automatically execute on system startup?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Run keys (e.g., HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) are common startup locations. The SAM hive stores password hashes, not persistence. Prefetch tracks program execution but does not cause auto-start. Services can be used for persistence but are not a registry key (they use subkeys under SYSTEM).
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.
✗
HKLM\SAM
Why it's wrong here
SAM stores local account hashes, not startup items.
✗
C:\Windows\Prefetch
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch is a file folder, not a registry key, and does not cause automatic execution.
This Run key specifies programs that run when the user logs in.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
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.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services — Run keys (e.g., HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) are common startup locations. The SAM hive stores password hashes, not persistence. Prefetch tracks program execution but does not cause auto-start. Services can be used for persistence but are not a registry key (they use subkeys under SYSTEM).
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A forensic analyst is examining a Windows system for evidence of a program that runs automatically every time the system starts. Which registry key is commonly used to achieve persistence via the 'Run' key?
Why B: The Run key under HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run is a common location for programs to execute at startup. Similar keys exist in HKCU.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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