- A
The Master Boot Record (MBR) in sector 0
Why wrong: The MBR contains the primary partition table for MBR disks, but GPT uses a protective MBR that only covers the first partition. Hidden GPT partitions are not listed in the MBR.
- B
The GPT header and partition entry array located after the protective MBR
The GPT header and partition entries define all partitions. A hidden partition might be omitted from the main table but could be discovered by scanning the entire disk for GPT-like structures.
- C
The Volume Boot Record (VBR) of the C: drive
Why wrong: The VBR contains boot code and filesystem metadata, not partition table information for hidden partitions.
- D
The Host Protected Area (HPA) at the end of the disk
Why wrong: HPA is a feature used to hide a portion of the disk from the OS, but it is not a partition table. A hidden partition could be placed within HPA, but HPA itself is not a partition table.
Quick Answer
The correct area to examine is the GPT header and partition entry array located after the protective MBR. This is because GPT partitioning stores its primary partition table in the second sector of the disk, immediately following the protective MBR in sector 0, and a hidden partition can be created by manipulating the GPT header’s partition entry count or by omitting entries from the main partition array. On the CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of how advanced forensic examiners detect disk manipulation beyond standard MBR analysis, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a drive appears empty but contains data. A common trap is focusing on the protective MBR itself, which only contains a single dummy entry for legacy compatibility and does not list actual partitions. Memory tip: think “after the MBR, check the GPT header and array” — or simply recall that GPT hides partitions not in the table, but in the table’s structure.
CHFI Storage Forensics and File System Analysis Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system 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 discovers a hidden partition on a hard drive that does not appear in the standard MBR partition table. The drive uses GPT partitioning. Which area of the disk should be examined to find evidence of a hidden partition?
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
The GPT header and partition entry array located after the protective MBR
GPT uses a Protective MBR in the first sector, followed by the GPT header and partition entries. A hidden partition might be created by modifying the GPT header or by using alternative partitioning schemes that are not listed in the main GPT table.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The Master Boot Record (MBR) in sector 0
Why it's wrong here
The MBR contains the primary partition table for MBR disks, but GPT uses a protective MBR that only covers the first partition. Hidden GPT partitions are not listed in the MBR.
- ✓
The GPT header and partition entry array located after the protective MBR
Why this is correct
The GPT header and partition entries define all partitions. A hidden partition might be omitted from the main table but could be discovered by scanning the entire disk for GPT-like structures.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
The Volume Boot Record (VBR) of the C: drive
Why it's wrong here
The VBR contains boot code and filesystem metadata, not partition table information for hidden partitions.
- ✗
The Host Protected Area (HPA) at the end of the disk
Why it's wrong here
HPA is a feature used to hide a portion of the disk from the OS, but it is not a partition table. A hidden partition could be placed within HPA, but HPA itself is not a partition table.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CHFI OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The GPT header and partition entry array located after the protective MBR — GPT uses a Protective MBR in the first sector, followed by the GPT header and partition entries. A hidden partition might be created by modifying the GPT header or by using alternative partitioning schemes that are not listed in the main GPT table.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CHFI OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
About these practice questions
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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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