Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →- A
FAT32
Why wrong: FAT32 uses a File Allocation Table, not $MFT.
- B
NTFS
NTFS uses $MFT for file metadata.
- C
HFS+
Why wrong: HFS+ uses a catalog file.
- D
ext4
Why wrong: ext4 uses inodes and superblock.
Question 822 of 1,000
Quick Answer
The answer is NTFS, as the Master File Table ($MFT) is a core structural component unique to the NTFS file system. The $MFT acts as a relational database that stores metadata for every file and directory on the volume, including attributes like timestamps, security descriptors, and data runs, making it the starting point for any forensic analysis of NTFS drives. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your ability to identify file system artifacts during disk imaging and analysis; a common trap is confusing the $MFT with the File Allocation Table (FAT) used in FAT32 or the inode table in Ext4. Remember that the $MFT is essentially a file itself (named $MFT) located at the beginning of the volume, so if you see a disk image with a file named $MFT in the root, you are definitely dealing with NTFS. A helpful memory tip: MFT stands for Master File Table, and NTFS is the only major Windows file system that uses a master table to manage files—think “MFT = NTFS’s master blueprint.”
CHFI Storage Forensics and File System Analysis Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A forensic analyst is examining a disk image and needs to identify the file system structure. She looks for the Master File Table ($MFT) to begin analysis. Which file system is she most likely dealing with?
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.
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
✓
NTFS
$MFT is a key component of NTFS, storing metadata about files and directories.
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.
- ✗
FAT32
Why it's wrong here
FAT32 uses a File Allocation Table, not $MFT.
- ✓
NTFS
Why this is correct
NTFS uses $MFT for file metadata.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
HFS+
Why it's wrong here
HFS+ uses a catalog file.
- ✗
ext4
Why it's wrong here
ext4 uses inodes and superblock.
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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Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NTFS — $MFT is a key component of NTFS, storing metadata about files and directories.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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