Quick Answer
The answer is 0xE5 indicates the file has been deleted. In FAT32 directory entries, the first byte of the filename is overwritten with this hex value as a standard deletion marker, while the file’s cluster chain in the File Allocation Table is simultaneously marked as free for reuse. This mechanism allows the filesystem to quickly flag a file as removed without erasing its actual data, which is why forensic examiners can often recover the original filename and contents by analyzing the remaining directory entry fields and cluster chains. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of low-level filesystem artifacts; a common trap is confusing 0xE5 with a long filename entry or a volume label, but remember that only the very first byte of the short filename is changed. A useful memory tip: think of “E5” as “Erased 5” — the hex value literally marks the entry as erased, and the 5 can remind you of the five letters in “deletE5.”
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 investigator is examining a FAT32 filesystem and needs to recover a deleted file. In FAT32, the directory entry for a deleted file has the first byte of the filename set to 0xE5. What does this indicate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
The file is a system file
Why wrong: System files are marked with the system attribute.
The file is hidden
Why wrong: Hidden files are indicated by the hidden attribute in the directory entry, not by 0xE5.
The file is encrypted
Why wrong: 0xE5 indicates deletion, not encryption.
The file has been deleted
0xE5 is the deletion marker in FAT filesystems.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The file has been deleted
In FAT filesystems, a deleted file's directory entry is marked with 0xE5 as the first byte of the filename. The file's cluster chain in the File Allocation Table is also marked as free. This is the standard deletion marker.
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.
The file is a system file
Why it's wrong here
System files are marked with the system attribute.
The file is hidden
Why it's wrong here
Hidden files are indicated by the hidden attribute in the directory entry, not by 0xE5.
The file is encrypted
Why it's wrong here
0xE5 indicates deletion, not encryption.
The file has been deleted
Why this is correct
0xE5 is the deletion marker in FAT filesystems.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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.
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The file has been deleted — In FAT filesystems, a deleted file's directory entry is marked with 0xE5 as the first byte of the filename. The file's cluster chain in the File Allocation Table is also marked as free. This is the standard deletion marker.
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.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.