Quick Answer
The answer is inode 8. In the ext4 file system, the journal is stored in a special reserved inode numbered 8, which acts as the default location for tracking metadata and data changes before they are committed to the main file system. This design ensures atomicity and crash recovery, making inode 8 a critical forensic artifact. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of file system internals and data recovery techniques; a common trap is assuming the journal is always a regular file, but it can also exist as a hidden .journal file or in a separate block group. To remember this, think of inode 8 as the “eight-ball” of ext4 forensics—it holds the journal that lets you roll back time to recover deleted files.
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.
In an ext4 file system, a forensic analyst needs to examine the journal to recover recently deleted files. Where is the journal typically stored?
In a reserved area after the superblock
Why wrong: Not typical; the journal is in a separate inode.
In the superblock
Why wrong: The superblock contains metadata about the file system, not the journal.
In a special inode (inode 8)
The journal is stored in inode 8 by default.
In the group descriptor table
Why wrong: Group descriptors contain block group information, not the journal.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
In a special inode (inode 8)
In ext4, the journal is stored in a special inode (inode 8) or as a file named .journal. It can also be stored in a separate block group.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
In a reserved area after the superblock
Why it's wrong here
Not typical; the journal is in a separate inode.
In the superblock
Why it's wrong here
The superblock contains metadata about the file system, not the journal.
In a special inode (inode 8)
Why this is correct
The journal is stored in inode 8 by default.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
In the group descriptor table
Why it's wrong here
Group descriptors contain block group information, not the journal.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CHFI OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: In a special inode (inode 8) — In ext4, the journal is stored in a special inode (inode 8) or as a file named .journal. It can also be stored in a separate block group.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CHFI OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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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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