Quick Answer
The answer is ShellBags. This artifact is the most reliable indicator of recently accessed folders and documents through the Windows Explorer GUI because ShellBags store detailed folder view settings, window positions, and the full file path of every directory a user has opened, even if the user later deletes those folders or clears their recent files history. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between registry artifacts that track user activity versus system-level operations; a common trap is confusing ShellBags with the MRU (Most Recently Used) lists in the same NTUSER.DAT hive, but MRUs track file opens from specific applications, while ShellBags capture all Explorer navigation. For the exam, remember that ShellBags are the forensic breadcrumbs left behind by the Windows shell itself, making them invaluable for reconstructing a user’s folder browsing behavior. Memory tip: think of ShellBags as the “shell’s shopping bags” — they carry every folder path the user has ever picked up.
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.
During a forensic investigation of a Windows system, an analyst examines the NTUSER.DAT registry hive. Which artifact would MOST likely be found to identify recently accessed documents and folders via the Windows Explorer GUI?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
ShellBags
ShellBags record folder names and paths accessed via Windows Explorer.
Run keys
Why wrong: Run keys are for persistence (programs run at startup), not folder access history.
MRU lists
Why wrong: MRU lists track recently used files in specific applications, not general folder navigation.
UserAssist
Why wrong: UserAssist tracks recently executed programs, not folder access.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ShellBags
ShellBags store folder view settings and paths of accessed folders, making them useful for tracking user folder navigation.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ShellBags
Why this is correct
ShellBags record folder names and paths accessed via Windows Explorer.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Run keys
Why it's wrong here
Run keys are for persistence (programs run at startup), not folder access history.
MRU lists
Why it's wrong here
MRU lists track recently used files in specific applications, not general folder navigation.
UserAssist
Why it's wrong here
UserAssist tracks recently executed programs, not folder access.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: ShellBags — ShellBags store folder view settings and paths of accessed folders, making them useful for tracking user folder navigation.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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