The answer is that each record is typically 1024 bytes in size, which is a core characteristic of the Master File Table ($MFT) in NTFS. This is because the $MFT stores metadata, or attributes, for every file and directory on an NTFS volume in a series of fixed-size records, and each record is exactly 1 KB (1024 bytes). For small files, the actual data can be stored resident within this record, eliminating the need for additional clusters. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of NTFS forensic artifacts, often appearing in questions about file system analysis or data hiding. A common trap is confusing the $MFT record size with the cluster size, which is variable. Remember the mnemonic: “MFT records are a KB, not a cluster to be.”
CHFI Storage Forensics and File System Analysis Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE of the following are characteristics of the Master File Table ($MFT) in NTFS? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It contains a record for every file and directory on the volume
The $MFT stores metadata (attributes) for each file and directory in records. Each record is typically 1 KB. Small files can be stored resident within the $MFT record.
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.
✓
It contains a record for every file and directory on the volume
Why this is correct
Each file and directory has at least one $MFT record.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Small files can be stored resident within the $MFT record
Why this is correct
Files smaller than about 900 bytes can be stored directly in the record's resident data attribute.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Each record is typically 1024 bytes in size
Why this is correct
Default record size is 1 KB.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It is located at a fixed position at the beginning of the volume
Why it's wrong here
The $MFT location is stored in the boot sector, not fixed.
✗
It is only used for directory metadata
Why it's wrong here
It is used for all files and directories.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
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.
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: It contains a record for every file and directory on the volume — The $MFT stores metadata (attributes) for each file and directory in records. Each record is typically 1 KB. Small files can be stored resident within the $MFT record.
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.
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Question Discussion
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