Quick Answer
The answer is that the FAT entries are overwritten with zeros. This occurs because the File Allocation Table (FAT32) uses a simple cluster-chaining system to track file data; when a file is deleted, the operating system does not erase the actual data clusters but instead marks each FAT entry in the chain as 0, which signifies a free cluster available for reuse. The directory entry is simultaneously flagged as deleted by setting its first byte to 0xE5, but the FAT entries themselves are cleared to zero, not to any other value. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this distinction tests your understanding of how file systems preserve residual data—a common trap is assuming FAT entries are overwritten with the deletion marker 0xE5, but that marker only applies to the directory entry, not the FAT. Remember the mnemonic: “Directory gets the E5, FAT gets the zeroes.”
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 FAT32, the File Allocation Table (FAT) is used to track which clusters are allocated to files. If a file is deleted, what happens to the FAT entries for that file?
The FAT entries are encrypted
Why wrong: No encryption is applied.
The FAT entries are preserved intact
Why wrong: They are cleared.
The FAT entries are overwritten with zeros
FAT entries are set to 0 (free).
The FAT entries are moved to a journal
Why wrong: FAT32 does not have a 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
The FAT entries are overwritten with zeros
When a file is deleted in FAT32, the directory entry is marked as deleted (first byte set to 0xE5) and the FAT entries are set to 0, marking clusters as free.
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.
The FAT entries are encrypted
Why it's wrong here
No encryption is applied.
The FAT entries are preserved intact
Why it's wrong here
They are cleared.
The FAT entries are overwritten with zeros
Why this is correct
FAT entries are set to 0 (free).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The FAT entries are moved to a journal
Why it's wrong here
FAT32 does not have a journal.
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.
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: The FAT entries are overwritten with zeros — When a file is deleted in FAT32, the directory entry is marked as deleted (first byte set to 0xE5) and the FAT entries are set to 0, marking clusters as free.
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.
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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