- A
The program was executed at 02:30:00 UTC.
Why wrong: The executable's last modified timestamp is not the execution time; it is when the file was last modified on disk.
- B
The program was executed at 03:15:22 UTC.
Prefetch file creation time is recorded when the program first runs, so 03:15:22 UTC is the execution start time (assuming clock is accurate). The +5 minute discrepancy means system time was ahead, but UTC is correct.
- C
Execution time cannot be determined from prefetch files alone.
Why wrong: Prefetch files do record the first execution time, so execution time can be determined.
- D
The program was executed at 03:10:22 UTC after adjusting for clock skew.
Why wrong: Clock skew adjustment would subtract 5 minutes from system time, but the prefetch creation time is already in UTC; system clock offset does not change UTC interpretation.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
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, you find a prefetch file created at 03:15:22 UTC on the system. The corresponding executable's last modified timestamp is 02:30:00 UTC, and the system date/time shows a discrepancy of +5 minutes. What is the MOST accurate interpretation regarding the file execution time?
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 program was executed at 03:15:22 UTC.
Prefetch files record the time the program was first run. The last modified timestamp of the executable is not directly related to execution time. The prefetch timestamp is the best indicator of first execution, but time zone and clock skew must be considered. However, the question asks for the MOST accurate interpretation among the options; the prefetch file creation time directly records when the program was first executed, making that the execution time.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 program was executed at 02:30:00 UTC.
Why it's wrong here
The executable's last modified timestamp is not the execution time; it is when the file was last modified on disk.
- ✓
The program was executed at 03:15:22 UTC.
Why this is correct
Prefetch file creation time is recorded when the program first runs, so 03:15:22 UTC is the execution start time (assuming clock is accurate). The +5 minute discrepancy means system time was ahead, but UTC is correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Execution time cannot be determined from prefetch files alone.
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch files do record the first execution time, so execution time can be determined.
- ✗
The program was executed at 03:10:22 UTC after adjusting for clock skew.
Why it's wrong here
Clock skew adjustment would subtract 5 minutes from system time, but the prefetch creation time is already in UTC; system clock offset does not change UTC interpretation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The program was executed at 03:15:22 UTC. — Prefetch files record the time the program was first run. The last modified timestamp of the executable is not directly related to execution time. The prefetch timestamp is the best indicator of first execution, but time zone and clock skew must be considered. However, the question asks for the MOST accurate interpretation among the options; the prefetch file creation time directly records when the program was first executed, making that the execution time.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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.
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