Quick Answer
The answer is that an inode number of 0 indicates the file has been deleted but is still open. This occurs because Linux does not fully remove a file’s inode until all file descriptors referencing it are closed; the directory entry is unlinked, but the inode persists as long as a process holds an open handle. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of file system forensics and how deleted data can remain accessible for recovery—a common trap is confusing a zero inode with a corrupted file or a special system file. Remember that an inode of 0 is not a normal state; it signals a file that is technically dead but still alive in memory. A useful memory tip: “Zero inode, still in code”—the file’s link count is zero, but the process still holds the code path open.
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.
During an investigation of a Linux system, an analyst runs `ls -li` and sees that a file's inode number is 0. What does this indicate about the file?
The file is a symbolic link
Why wrong: Symbolic links have valid inode numbers.
The file is a device file
Why wrong: Device files have inode numbers.
The file is a hard link
Why wrong: Hard links share inode numbers, not 0.
The file has been deleted but is still open
An inode of 0 often means the file is unlinked (deleted) but still referenced by an open file descriptor.
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 file has been deleted but is still open
In Linux, an inode number of 0 typically indicates a file that has been deleted but is still open by a process. The directory entry may be removed but the inode remains until the file is closed.
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 file is a symbolic link
Why it's wrong here
Symbolic links have valid inode numbers.
The file is a device file
Why it's wrong here
Device files have inode numbers.
The file is a hard link
Why it's wrong here
Hard links share inode numbers, not 0.
The file has been deleted but is still open
Why this is correct
An inode of 0 often means the file is unlinked (deleted) but still referenced by an open file descriptor.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 file has been deleted but is still open — In Linux, an inode number of 0 typically indicates a file that has been deleted but is still open by a process. The directory entry may be removed but the inode remains until the file is closed.
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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