Quick Answer
The answer is File Type Sorting, also known as the File Recovery by Type module or PhotoRec Carver. This feature is correct because it performs file carving by scanning unallocated clusters for known file signatures—such as the JPEG magic bytes (FF D8 FF)—allowing recovery of deleted images even when their metadata is gone. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of how Autopsy handles data recovery from slack and free space, often contrasting file carving with methods like keyword search or timeline analysis; a common trap is confusing file carving with logical file recovery, which requires intact directory entries. To remember, think of the mnemonic “Carve by Signature, Not by Structure”—file carving relies on header/footer patterns, not the file system’s allocation table, making it ideal for recovering JPEGs from unallocated space.
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 using Autopsy to analyze a disk image from a suspected hacker's computer. They want to recover deleted JPEG images that may have been stored in unallocated clusters. Which Autopsy feature is best suited for this task?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
File Type Sorting
Autopsy includes a file carving module that can recover files by type from unallocated space.
Hash Set Analysis
Why wrong: Hash sets identify known files, but do not recover deleted ones without carving.
Timeline Analysis
Why wrong: Timeline shows file activity over time, but does not carve deleted files.
Keyword Search
Why wrong: Keyword search finds text strings, not binary file signatures for JPEG recovery.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
File Type Sorting
Autopsy's 'File Recovery by Type' module (also known as 'PhotoRec Carver' or 'File Carving') can recover files based on their headers/footers, such as JPEG magic bytes.
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.
File Type Sorting
Why this is correct
Autopsy includes a file carving module that can recover files by type from unallocated space.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Hash Set Analysis
Why it's wrong here
Hash sets identify known files, but do not recover deleted ones without carving.
Timeline Analysis
Why it's wrong here
Timeline shows file activity over time, but does not carve deleted files.
Keyword Search
Why it's wrong here
Keyword search finds text strings, not binary file signatures for JPEG recovery.
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
Keyword trap
Keyword search finds text strings, not binary file signatures for JPEG recovery.
Command / output trap
Timeline shows file activity over time, but does not carve deleted files.
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
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: File Type Sorting — Autopsy's 'File Recovery by Type' module (also known as 'PhotoRec Carver' or 'File Carving') can recover files based on their headers/footers, such as JPEG magic bytes.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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