The answer is the '$I' and '$R' file pairs located in the $Recycle.Bin\<SID> folder. This is correct because, starting with Windows Vista, the Recycle Bin stores deleted files as a matched set: the '$R' file contains the actual deleted data, while the '$I' file holds critical metadata including the original file path and the exact deletion timestamp. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of NTFS forensic artifacts and how Windows 10 handles file deletion differently from older systems like Windows XP, which used the INFO2 file. A common trap is looking for INFO2 on a modern system; remember that Vista and later rely solely on these $I and $R pairs. For a quick memory tip, think “I for Info, R for Remains”—the $I file gives you the investigative details, and the $R file holds the remaining data.
CHFI Storage Forensics and File System Analysis Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An investigator needs to analyze the contents of the Windows Recycle Bin on a system running Windows 10. Which artifact(s) should the investigator examine to determine the original location and deletion time of a file in the Recycle Bin?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The '$I' and '$R' files in the $Recycle.Bin\<SID> folder
In Windows Vista and later, the Recycle Bin uses $Recycle.Bin folder with each user having a subfolder named by SID. The file 'Info2' or '$I<filename>' files contain metadata such as original path and deletion time.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 'System Volume Information' folder
Why it's wrong here
System Volume Information contains restore points and other system data, not Recycle Bin metadata.
✓
The '$I' and '$R' files in the $Recycle.Bin\<SID> folder
Why this is correct
$I files contain metadata (original name, path, deletion time); $R files contain the actual data.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The 'INFO2' file in the Recycled folder
Why it's wrong here
INFO2 is used in Windows 2000/XP, not Windows 10.
✗
The 'desktop.ini' file in the Recycle Bin
Why it's wrong here
desktop.ini contains folder customization, not deletion metadata.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The '$I' and '$R' files in the $Recycle.Bin\<SID> folder — In Windows Vista and later, the Recycle Bin uses $Recycle.Bin folder with each user having a subfolder named by SID. The file 'Info2' or '$I<filename>' files contain metadata such as original path and deletion time.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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